tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82666386232692343422018-02-14T18:01:46.012-05:00Worldly RiseA blog inspired to teach my children about other countries and cultures through their food. It also includes music, arts, and literature from those countries as well.Beth Adamshttps://plus.google.com/104383010702337082747noreply@blogger.comBlogger641125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266638623269234342.post-7779478120181471512018-01-15T20:54:00.002-05:002018-01-15T20:54:50.150-05:00SAINT KITTS & NEVIS: THE FOOD <style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --></style> <br /><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;">Well, the new year is upon us, and January has proven to be a total jerk when it comes to weather. It’s been super cold and snowed, then it warmed up to almost 60 degrees, only to be followed by freezing rain, ice and more snow. Winter can go suck rotten eggs. But at least we’re cooking tropical food from Saint Kitts &amp; Nevis today, so I can pretend that maybe it’s warm outside. I tried to go look, but the sun on the snow just about blinded me.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YP2YT9_in1k/Wl1ZJgS24eI/AAAAAAAAB_A/91GO9f5pxt0nemmP5XjWti5Z0dFaXbpRwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YP2YT9_in1k/Wl1ZJgS24eI/AAAAAAAAB_A/91GO9f5pxt0nemmP5XjWti5Z0dFaXbpRwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5920.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah, and pretty much like I thought: everyone has eaten this up, and I've only gotten on piece. </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: large;">Now, I’ve made several banana breads, but this Island Banana Bread seemed slightly different. <span>&nbsp;</span>First I mixed 2 Tbsp of softened butter and 2 Tbsp of cream cheese in a mixing bowl. Then I added in 1 egg, 2 mashed up bananas, 1 tsp of vanilla extra, and 2 Tbsp of rum (it called for dark rum, but I can’t have dark liquor, so I’m using Captain Morgan’s white rum). I mixed everything together well. In a separate bowl, I mixed together 2 c of flour, 2 tsp of baking soda, 1/8 tsp of salt and ¼ of brown sugar. I left out the nuts (but if you wanted to, you can add in ¼ c of walnuts or pecans), but I did add in ¼ c of coconut flakes into the flour mix. At this point, I slowly added in my dry ingredients to my wet ingredients, stirring in between. Then I pre-heated my oven to 375ºF and laid a piece of parchment paper inside, cut so that the bottom and long sides were covered. Then I poured my batter into the loaf pan and baked it for 40 minutes, checking it at the 30 minute mark to make sure. While it was baking, I made the glaze. In a small saucepan, I mixed together 2 Tbsp of butter, 2 Tbsp of lime juice, 2 Tbsp of rum, ¼ c of brown sugar, and ¼ c of white sugar. I heated it until it started to boil. Then I added ¾ c of powdered sugar (a ¼ c at a time) until it became the consistency of honey. I pulled it off the heat and added in 2 Tbsp of coconut (I left out the nuts). When I took the bread out of the oven, I spooned the glaze over the top and let it sit up for 30 minutes. This was awesome. It was a little sweet with the glaze (I might cut the white sugar out of the glaze next time), but otherwise, it was delightful when it was warm. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jxw3cfW8puI/Wl1Zlk-Gq2I/AAAAAAAAB_E/CcJWhRynTWQlzbRUix10RX1N1qFbOFO_ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jxw3cfW8puI/Wl1Zlk-Gq2I/AAAAAAAAB_E/CcJWhRynTWQlzbRUix10RX1N1qFbOFO_ACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5936.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is one of the better fish recipes I've had. </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Next I made the National Dish, which actually consists of four dishes. The first part is Stewed Saltfish. I used cod for this since when I tried to look this up, I basically found a bunch of references to Salted Cod. So, you know… But I thawed it out and salted both sides of it liberally. Then I heated some oil in a skillet, added in some green bell pepper, scallions, garlic, and a little onion powder, letting it cook together for about 5 minutes. Then I added in a can of diced tomatoes, letting it simmer for 2-3 more minutes. At this point, I added in my fish, a little butter, and a little bit of ground pepper. I covered it and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the fish was flaky. I topped it with a little bit of scallions I had left over. I thought this was great! The saltiness of the fish was balanced by the scallions and tomatoes. I would definitely make this again. And it didn’t take that long to make, either – a great dish for a weeknight. </span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t2Z-IQQTp6Q/Wl1ZsDDQt5I/AAAAAAAAB_M/PsaaSpDvSVw_Xu9B_Q9EDH3KL2AyabCLwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t2Z-IQQTp6Q/Wl1ZsDDQt5I/AAAAAAAAB_M/PsaaSpDvSVw_Xu9B_Q9EDH3KL2AyabCLwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5933.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Although it was supposed to be plantains, the sweet potatoes were actually pretty good with this recipe. </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">The second part is Spicy Plantains. Normally, I don’t have much trouble finding plantains at all, but this weekend, I went to three different stores looking for them with no luck. So, considering this is a spicy dish, I substituted sweet potatoes instead of bananas. I peeled and cut three sweet potatoes and parboiled them until they were kind of soft but not to the point where you could easily break it apart. I drained the water and added in some ginger, a little onion, some salt, and a little cayenne pepper and stirred everything together. Then in a skillet, I heated some oil and fried them until they were golden brown. I really liked this, and it wasn’t nearly as spicy as I thought it was going to be. I mean, I only used ¼ tsp of cayenne pepper. I could definitely have added more, but then no one else in my family would’ve eaten it. </span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MnJeqJ0lpc8/Wl1Z0ZBSDkI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/mxypyNFTatsSDd2pPcItSy8Y5YJehei2QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MnJeqJ0lpc8/Wl1Z0ZBSDkI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/mxypyNFTatsSDd2pPcItSy8Y5YJehei2QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5935.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I know I was a little heavy on the potatoes with this meal, but I see no problem with this. </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Part three is Seasoned Breadfruit. Because of the weather, I wasn’t able to get to the international grocery store, so I had to substitute for this: I went with some tri-color petite potatoes for this (golden, red, and purple potatoes). In a pot, I melted some butter and then added some oil. Once the oil was heated, I threw in some diced onions and sautéed them for about 5 minutes. Then I added in the thyme, garlic, and diced red pepper and sautéed them for another minute. I added in my diced potatoes and some chicken broth along with a little salt and pepper and let it cook until the potatoes were soft. </span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DjqyLQUJhuo/Wl1Z9KuZHdI/AAAAAAAAB_U/hKDdy03VIc0Lh4bG33e2rE-6jbbRahxpQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DjqyLQUJhuo/Wl1Z9KuZHdI/AAAAAAAAB_U/hKDdy03VIc0Lh4bG33e2rE-6jbbRahxpQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5934.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These actually look like glazed doughnut holes, but that might just be the fat girl in me talking. </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">And finally, the last part is Coconut Dumplings, the one part I had all the ingredients for. In a small bowl, I mixed together some flour, salt, butter, coconut, and oil. I had to use my fingers to crumb the butter into the mixture. Using a little more than a ½ c of water, I made a thick dough and kneaded it for a couple of minutes. I formed balls about the size of golf balls and then dropped them in boiling water. I let them cook for about 10-15 minutes, draining them on paper towels. I kind of liked these – they went well in between bites of the saltiness of the fish. They were certainly a little chewy from being boiled, but coconut added a little texture and sweetness to it. </span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ds_JOiOqEjI/Wl1aDt_hUoI/AAAAAAAAB_Y/k0OGzs82YLYQx0b4sIIsvEEMDAEHi1I-QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ds_JOiOqEjI/Wl1aDt_hUoI/AAAAAAAAB_Y/k0OGzs82YLYQx0b4sIIsvEEMDAEHi1I-QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5937.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I liked this meal quite a lot. It'll make for some good leftovers tomorrow.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">And as I come to the end of my first country of 2018, I realized I have to make the difficult decision of pausing on the blog. Again. I’m making some changes in my career path, and I need to finish up some courses in order to try to merge into digital and content marketing. Up until recently, it was just something I was casually learning, but now… there is more of an urgency behind it. I basically need to fast track this. But I’ll be back as soon as I can. It might be a month; it might be two. But I’ll keep posting articles and videos on the blog’s Facebook page, so check me out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/worldlyriseblog/" target="_blank">there</a>. And I want to take a quick moment to give a shout out to a lady who was one of the Band Moms when I was in high school and the mother of one of my friends. She was the Queen of Sass and No Nonsense along with being a fan of this blog. She passed away this week and will be sorely missed. </span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Up next: Saint Lucia</span></div>Beth Adamshttps://plus.google.com/104383010702337082747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266638623269234342.post-91670843568865075702018-01-13T23:02:00.000-05:002018-01-13T23:02:01.650-05:00SAINT KITTS & NEVIS: MUSIC AND DANCE <style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --></style> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Much of the music from Saint Kitts &amp; Nevis has its origins from Africa mixed together with various types of Caribbean music along with some British, French, and American styles. Vocal music is an integral part of their musical traditions, with chanteys and other songs sung for a variety of occasions. A Tea Meeting is a type of performance found in Saint Kitts &amp; Nevis (but also in the Virgin Islands and on Barbados). A chairman and vice-chairman will lead comedic songs and give speeches, often being heckled by the audience.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.sntravel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/st-kitts-carnival-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="640" height="195" src="https://www.sntravel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/st-kitts-carnival-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">During the 1940s, iron bands started making its way into the islands. These bands consisted of musicians (typically guitars, saxophones, and trumpets) along with a percussion section using instruments made of things they found, like car rims and other metal scrap. This gave way to the steel pan bands of the 1950s and 1960s. Following a Trinidadian tradition, several of these bands from Trinidad were equally popular in Saint Kitts and Nevis. Some of the more popular steel pan bands include Roy Martin’s Wilberforce Steel Pan, Casablanca Steel Orchestra, and The Invaders. </span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/lySPREIPHsI/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lySPREIPHsI?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">By the 1960s, brass bands became known for its role in Carnival music. They not only use modern instruments that we know, but even a few of their own, like the baha (a blown metal pipe) and what they call the shack-shack (a tin can with beads in it – a most descriptive name). Not only is Carnival a festival filled with music, but there are several other music festivals held throughout the year like the St Kitts Music Festival and Culturama held on Nevis. The traditions around Christmas, especially those of parades, music, masqueraded dancers, and stilt walkers called Moko-Jumbies, are some of the best times to watch these iconic music and dance festivals. </span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/1NUM--rtPbo/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1NUM--rtPbo?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Another musical style Saint Kitts &amp; Nevis borrowed from Trinidad and Tobago is calypso music. This musical style was originally used as a means for the African slaves to communicate with one another about the oppression they were facing. Needless to say, it made its way across the Caribbean where many other countries adopted it and made it their own as well. During the 1950s, there used to be calypso competitions on St Kitts and on Nevis. Some calypso bands of note include Ellie Matt and King Starshield. </span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/oag3I4VRXyM/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oag3I4VRXyM?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">There are several musicians who share a heritage with Saint Kitts &amp; Nevis, so I thought it would be fair to include them as well. Joan Armatrading is a folk singer who got her start during the mid-1970s. Her main style is folk music, with her playing the acoustic guitar and vocals. I like her style. </span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/h--fvyPu5e4/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h--fvyPu5e4?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Another musician with ties to these islands is Corinne Bailey Rae. I have one of here albums, but I admit I only listened to it a few times when I got it years ago. I didn’t tag it for a long time, so I just realized a number of months ago that I had it in my iTunes. It was like finding a new album! I had forgotten how much I like her music. She mixes a little bit of folk, soul, blues, jazz, acoustic, and a little pop into her music. This is her Tiny Desk Concert she gave at NPR. You can tell she really enjoys what she does. </span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/jUUO5JeT-QA/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jUUO5JeT-QA?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Mel B is probably better known for her role in Spice Girls. I was probably one of the only high school girls in the US who was not gaga over them when they were popular in the 1990s. I was more into Metallica and Smashing Pumpkins at the time (and still am). After Spice Girls stopped being spicy, she went out on her own. I think some of her songs are pretty catchy. This video, however, is weird with stripping in the middle of the street and kissing herself. But you be you, boo. </span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Up next: the food</span></div>Beth Adamshttps://plus.google.com/104383010702337082747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266638623269234342.post-83004784698840446442018-01-10T20:36:00.002-05:002018-01-10T20:43:26.259-05:00SAINT KITTS & NEVIS: ART AND LITERATURE<style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --></style> <br /><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;">Art traditions here are a combination of native Caribbean influences as well as African origins. Many of the motifs are centered around island life. As far as handicrafts go, you’ll find weaving (mainly as rug weaving) and making batiks (a way of dying cloth using wax to resist certain colors). Wood carvings and sculptures are also common as well as leather work.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://skncir.govt.kn/img/members/48/skncircover48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://skncir.govt.kn/img/members/48/skncircover48.jpg" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="734" height="174" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Pottery serves more practical purposes with holding water and other objects as well as being used for cooking and storing food. You’ll find pottery pieces made out of red clay but sometimes people use colorful glazes on it, decorating it with local designs. </span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.culture.gov.kn/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/CARLA-ASTAPHAN_HEADER-477x210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.culture.gov.kn/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/CARLA-ASTAPHAN_HEADER-477x210.jpg" data-original-height="210" data-original-width="477" height="140" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Paintings are also popular on Saint Kitts &amp; Nevis. With such beautiful landscape and seascape, the scenery is an obvious source of themes. However, island life and local culture and folklore are also common themes for paintings. One cultural item that makes its way into their art is that of clowns. No, I’m not talking about Pennywise-like clowns, or even Ronald McDonald. They’re called Moko-Jumbies, inspired from West Africa; they’re essentially stilt walkers dressed up in clown garb. Some are just colorful, but some are downright creepy-looking giants. It's a colorful experience to say the least. </span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/cf/12/ca/cf12caa12275bb895cf4a6ae860bf801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="400" height="215" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/cf/12/ca/cf12caa12275bb895cf4a6ae860bf801.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Although there is no shortage of writing talent in Saint Kitts &amp; Nevis, there is also a clear lack of access to training and publishers. Most authors start out self-publishing their works, unless they are lucky enough to get picked up by a major publisher elsewhere. Literary works as we know it today didn’t truly get its start until the 20<sup>th</sup> century, although there certainly have been stories passed down through the generations.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2015/05/10/books/review/10ALLEN/10ALLEN-blog427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="427" height="320" src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2015/05/10/books/review/10ALLEN/10ALLEN-blog427.jpg" width="248" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caryl Phillips</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">One of the most famous authors of note from the islands is Caryl Phillips. His plays, short stories, novels, and essays made international fame starting in the 1980s. His themes center around immigration and returning to your homeland. </span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://25xvvp9qksr39jp1815u6s1l-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/0013_Carol-Mitchell-Author-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="600" height="229" src="https://25xvvp9qksr39jp1815u6s1l-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/0013_Carol-Mitchell-Author-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Carol Ottley-Mitchell</span></td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Another author of note is Carol Ottley-Mitchell. She has written numerous children’s stories that range from infant books to young adult lit. Other authors from Saint Kitts &amp; Nevis include Charles Wilkin, who writes about the national political atmosphere, and Jewel Amethyst, who is a romance author that falls in a multi-cultural subgenre.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.booktopia.com.au/http_coversbooktopiacomau/big/9780996435826/hurricane-of-the-heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="262" height="320" src="https://www.booktopia.com.au/http_coversbooktopiacomau/big/9780996435826/hurricane-of-the-heart.jpg" width="209" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">I think literature holds a certain regard here. Some people have formed reading groups together, but it’s nothing formal or broadly organized. Theatre is also popular on both islands. A couple of theatre organizations are established here as well, but mostly of an amateur, community level. </span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Up next: music and dance</span></div>Beth Adamshttps://plus.google.com/104383010702337082747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266638623269234342.post-24059507872211163482018-01-07T20:57:00.002-05:002018-01-07T20:57:28.898-05:00SAINT KITTS & NEVIS: THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE <style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Book Antiqua"; panose-1:2 4 6 2 5 3 5 3 3 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --></style> <br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">A few years ago, I was introduced to the musical <i>Hamilton</i>. I listened to the soundtrack many, many times in a row. For those who may not fully be aware of it, <i>Hamilton</i> is a hip-hop/sung musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda about the life of Alexander Hamilton. It’s widely known for its diverse cast. I have not yet seen it live, but hope I can one day. Anyway, the musical didn’t expressly say so, but in doing my own research, I found out that the Caribbean island that Alexander Hamilton was born and raised on was the island of Nevis (pronounced Nee-vis).&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.travelnewsdigest.in/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/basseterre-st-kitts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.travelnewsdigest.in/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/basseterre-st-kitts.jpg" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="620" height="165" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">&nbsp;</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Originally, the Kalinago Indians living on Saint Kitts called it Liamuiga (“fertile land”), and the island of Nevis was called Oualie (“land of beautiful waters”). Christopher Columbus was the first European to spot these islands, and while there’s some dispute over the exact names and name changes, Saint Kitts is named after a nickname for Christopher (like Christopher Columbus). Nevis got it name after a variation of the Spanish name Nuestra Señora de las Nieves (Our Lady of the Snows—sounds strange considering it’s in the tropics). </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.elegantinvest.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/st-kitts-and-nevis-map.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.elegantinvest.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/st-kitts-and-nevis-map.gif" data-original-height="217" data-original-width="273" /></a></span></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Saint Kitts &amp; Nevis is located in the Caribbean and part of the Leeward Islands. It’s located west of Antigua and Barbuda, just northwest of the French islands of Montserrat and Guadeloupe and southeast of the Dutch islands of Sint Eustatius, Saba, and south of the French island of St Barthélemy, the half French-half Dutch island of Saint-Martin/Sint Maarten, and the British island of Anguilla. The islands were created by volcanic activity; central peaks give way to numerous rivers that provide fresh water for the island. The islands have a tropical climate with a somewhat dry and cool season from January through April and a wet and rainy period from June through November. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.caribflame.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/st-kitts-flag-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.caribflame.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/st-kitts-flag-1.jpg" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="800" height="192" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">First inhabited about 3000BC, the Arawak and Taino Indians moved into the area later. Christopher Columbus first sighted the islands in 1493, but in the early 1600s, the British settled in followed by the French. They agreed to divide the island between the two of them, and both went to bat at exploiting the island for its natural resources. That didn’t sit well with the natives living there and put up a resistance against their efforts to either enslave them or endure a forced relocation at the least. They continued a campaign started by the Spanish of systematically denying the natives humanity. Finally, the British and French (with Spanish support) said, “Skip this,” and just went on a killing spree. The Spanish handed all control over to the other two, who divided and claimed a bunch of islands in the area; the French eventually giving total control of St. Kitts over to the British. Because of the sugar trade, St. Kitts was one of Britain’s richest colonies. St. Kitts, Nevis, and Anguilla were all treated as three separate states of British colonies, and while in 1967 they all gained autonomy, only St. Kitts and Nevis gained independence in 1983. This makes it the newest country in the Americas (and the same age as my sister). Nevis actually tried to break away in 1998 but didn’t quite have the votes to make it happen. Not long after, it was ravaged by Hurricane Georges, the worst hurricane to hit the area in the 20<sup>th</sup> century.<span>&nbsp; </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/29/St._Kitts%2C_Karibik_-_The_Berkeley_Memorial_-_Circus_in_Basseterre_-_panoramio.jpg/1024px-St._Kitts%2C_Karibik_-_The_Berkeley_Memorial_-_Circus_in_Basseterre_-_panoramio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="569" data-original-width="800" height="227" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/29/St._Kitts%2C_Karibik_-_The_Berkeley_Memorial_-_Circus_in_Basseterre_-_panoramio.jpg/1024px-St._Kitts%2C_Karibik_-_The_Berkeley_Memorial_-_Circus_in_Basseterre_-_panoramio.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">The capital Basseterre is located on the island of St. Kitts. Established in 1627, it’s one of the oldest cities in the Eastern Caribbean. The city is the financial and governmental center of the country. In fact, Basseterre has grown to be a financial hub for a lot of the Caribbean communities. It also hosted the 2007 World Cricket Cup, which was a big deal because it was the smallest country to hold a World Cup. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/b/de-stokken-van-het-suikerriet-voor-verkoop-een-markt-10789830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="800" height="214" src="https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/b/de-stokken-van-het-suikerriet-voor-verkoop-een-markt-10789830.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Historically, sugar was the primary economic driver. However, in 2005, their state-owned sugar factory closed down. Tourism is now the thing they depend on most and host a large music festival in efforts to attract more people. They also have a program where large business investors are granted citizenship, assuming they meet all the requirements and fulfill their end of the deal. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/05/7c/b3/74/immaculate-conception.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="365" data-original-width="550" height="212" src="https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/05/7c/b3/74/immaculate-conception.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Because of their history with Britain and France, Christianity (mostly Anglican and Methodist) is the majority religion in St. Kitts &amp; Nevis. There are a number of denominations represented, but there are also a smaller number of non-religious people and other religions found there as well. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.elblogdeyes.com/wp-content/uploads/basseterre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.elblogdeyes.com/wp-content/uploads/basseterre.jpg" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="620" height="198" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">In St. Kitts &amp; Nevis, English is the official language. However, Saint Kitts Creole is the most widely spoken dialect in the country. Like some other Caribbean Creoles, this one is an English-based Creole with borrowings from various African languages and some from French. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://travel.usnews.com/static-travel/images/destinations/79/alexander_hamilton_house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="574" height="213" src="https://travel.usnews.com/static-travel/images/destinations/79/alexander_hamilton_house.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Besides Alexander Hamilton, I was surprised to find a few other famous people with ties to St. Kitts &amp; Nevis. I came across several as I was researching the islands who have either one or both parents from there. Mel B (from the Spice Girls) has a father from the islands. Corinne Bailey Rae’s father was also from St. Kitts. Both of Cicely Tyson’s parents came from Nevis. Louis Farrakhan’s mother was also born in the islands. Rupert Crosse was raised by his grandparents on the island of Nevis. And apparently, there are a ton of famous people from here who play cricket, if you follow cricket. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Up next: art and literature</span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Beth Adamshttps://plus.google.com/104383010702337082747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266638623269234342.post-71140005385914451162017-12-31T16:46:00.000-05:002017-12-31T16:46:17.201-05:00Worldly Rise Year End Stats 2017 Edition <style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Times; panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"\0022book antiqua\0022"; panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-alt:Cambria; mso-font-charset:77; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:auto; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} h3 {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-link:"Heading 3 Char"; mso-style-next:Normal; margin-top:10.0pt; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan lines-together; page-break-after:avoid; mso-outline-level:3; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:major-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:major-bidi; color:#4F81BD; font-weight:bold;} p {margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Times; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Times; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} span.Heading3Char {mso-style-name:"Heading 3 Char"; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-locked:yes; mso-style-link:"Heading 3"; font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:major-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:major-bidi; color:#4F81BD; font-weight:bold;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --></style> <br /><h3 style="margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I’ve done these for the past few years. I think of it as a way to measure my growth and how much I’ve covered. It’s a long project, so it’s nice to know where I’ve been around the world so far. We’re heading into the home stretch. Only two more years to go! Enjoy!</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></h3><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">— In 2017, I started with Nauru and ended with Rwanda.</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">— At the end of 2017, I completed the 142<sup>nd</sup> country for this blog. I did go back and add in the three countries that are not part of the UN at the end, so this now makes me 72% finished with this project. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">— Of all the countries I have completed so far, </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">39 (27.46%) have been in Africa</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">38 (26.76%) have been in Europe</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">17 (11.97%) have been in Asia</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">11 (7.75%) have been in the Middle East</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">10 (7.04%) have been in Oceania </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">9 (6.34%) have been in the Caribbean</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">9 (6.34%) have been in South America</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">7 (4.93%) have been in Central America</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">2 (1.41%) has been in North America</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">— Of the 142 countries I have completed so far, 349 languages are represented in some capacity, either as an official language or at some kind of national/regional/vernacular level. Here are the ones who hold some level of status in three or more countries.&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">English: 47</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">French: 34</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Arabic: 20</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Spanish: 19</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">German: 13</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Russian: 10</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Croatian: 8</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Romany/Romani: 8</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Armenian: 7</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Portuguese: 7</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Ukrainian: 7</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Albanian: 6</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Serbian: 6</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Bulgarian: 5</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Greek: 5</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Italian: 5</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Swahili: 5</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Garifuna: 4</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Hungarian: 4</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Turkish: 4</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Azerbaijani: 3</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Belarusian: 3</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Berber (Tamazight): 3</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Danish: 3</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Fula: 3</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Occitan: 3</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Polish: 3</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Romanian: 3</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Rusyn: 3</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Slovak: 3</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Slovene/Slovenian: 3</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Tatar: 3</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Urdu: 3</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">— As of December 31, 2017 at 4:30 p.m. EST, I have had a total of 528,970 pageviews (an increase of 145,356 from this time last year) and have been read by at least one person in 170 countries (an increase of 5 countries). I have posted 636 blog posts (an increase of 91 posts) since I started in February 2012 and now have 27 followers (I gained 5 more followers this year).</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">— Here are the top ten countries based on the number of pageviews (of all time):</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1. United States</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2. Russia </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3. Philippines</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 5. Canada (number 5 last year)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">4. United Kingdom (number 4 last year)</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. Germany</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 7. France </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 8. Ukraine </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 9. Australia </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 10. India</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">— If everything goes as planned for 2018 (which may or may not happen), I will start with Saint Kitts &amp; Nevis and end with Switzerland.&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;\0022book antiqua\0022&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Have a happy new year! </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div>Beth Adamshttps://plus.google.com/104383010702337082747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266638623269234342.post-74304801910286502642017-12-17T22:27:00.002-05:002017-12-17T22:27:42.303-05:00RWANDA: THE FOOD <style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Book Antiqua"; panose-1:2 4 6 2 5 3 5 3 3 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --></style> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Well, it’s getting closer to Christmas, and I’m almost done with my shopping. I’ve just got a couple of other things to grab, then I’ll be done. I’m not a huge fan of Christmas, but seeing other people happy with the things I got them makes me happy. But that also means this is my last meal of 2017, and my last R country, so we’ll start 2018 off with a whole new letter: S. Actually, the S countries will pretty much take up most of the year.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ic9MD3cLTTw/Wjczs7n0sSI/AAAAAAAAB-c/mVKSa8Km0fMbisKt2uyTrbc6w5g79YBVACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ic9MD3cLTTw/Wjczs7n0sSI/AAAAAAAAB-c/mVKSa8Km0fMbisKt2uyTrbc6w5g79YBVACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5786.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was so wonderful. And look how smooth it looks on top! </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">So, today I’m starting out with Rwandan Honey Bread. The first thing I did was proof my yeast by mixing my yeast into warm water for about 5 minutes or so. Typically, it should be pretty frothy, but mine didn’t really proof that well (I used it anyway). In a separate bowl, I mixed together an egg, ½ c of honey (I’m using a vanilla bean honey), 1 Tbsp of ground coriander, ½ tsp ground cinnamon, ¼ tsp of ground cloves, and 1 ½ tsp of salt. Then I added in my yeast mixture, 1 c of lukewarm milk, 4 Tbsp of melted butter, stirring until everything is mixed well. Then I slowly added about 4 ½ c of flour until it became a soft ball of dough. Turning it out onto my floured pastry mat, I kneaded it for another 5 minutes, but trying not to use any extra flour as necessary, but it was so sticky that I had to. When it was finally ready, I melted 2 Tbsp of butter, I brushed the outside of it and then brushed the bowl with it a bit, covered the bowl and let it rise for about an hour. At the end of the first hour, I punched it down and kneaded for a minute or two. I decided to make this in my round silicon baking pan, so I sprayed the pan (not really sure if that’s necessary, but I did it anyway) and placed it in the pan, formed it with my hands to fit. I let it rest for another hour before putting it into a 300ºF oven for 55-60 minutes. The top should be lightly golden in color and kind of crusty. I thought this bread was wonderful, especially when it’s still warm. The inside was soft, and the flavors were blended quite nicely. </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-scrF97gi_oA/Wjcz4KdMN_I/AAAAAAAAB-g/yS-nIrKdgNA5Z_Qmdk_8Vs8m_soMgK0bACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-scrF97gi_oA/Wjcz4KdMN_I/AAAAAAAAB-g/yS-nIrKdgNA5Z_Qmdk_8Vs8m_soMgK0bACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5794.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This right here was fabulous. </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">The main dish today is Rwandan Beef Stew. In a skillet, I browned my stew beef (that I cut into smaller pieces) along with the onions. Then I took my plantain pieces that I tossed in lemon juice and browned them with the meat and onions. I added 2 Tbsp of vegetable oil, a can of diced tomatoes, a little salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning (I just used a little bit of thyme, sage, nutmeg, marjoram, garlic powder). After pouring in enough water to cover everything, I let it cook on low heat for a little more than an hour, checking my water levels so it wouldn’t burn. Although I should’ve made some rice to put this on, I thought it was still good by itself. The plantains and the beef strangely enough meshed well together. I thought it was delicious. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dRoTnxAzF24/Wjcz-cuAd-I/AAAAAAAAB-k/hDS42yO_nBcOr-qicEiJUtdAs6-_74IggCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dRoTnxAzF24/Wjcz-cuAd-I/AAAAAAAAB-k/hDS42yO_nBcOr-qicEiJUtdAs6-_74IggCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5795.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh... my... I loved this so much.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">To go along with that, I also made Isombe, or greens in peanut sauce. The recipe originally calls for cassava leaves, but I ended up using turnip greens instead (there must’ve been a run on collard greens—my store was completely out!). I chopped my greens up and boiled them in salted water until they were tender. I didn’t boil them for long, though. I was afraid they’d get to the point of being slimy. Then I added in my chopped green onions, diced eggplant, baby spinach, and green bell peppers and let it cook down for 10 more minutes. After this, I mixed a little vegetable oil and some peanut butter in a ramekin and stirred. I actually drained off a lot of the water from the pot, leaving just a little bit in the bottom. I poured the peanut mix into the pot with the greens, letting it simmer for another 10 minutes until the sauce thickened. I was a little worried how the turnip greens would taste with the peanut sauce, but it turned out quite well. It certainly smelled good. I really liked this. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CQ4NXj-al6Q/Wjc0FvQCMJI/AAAAAAAAB-o/VOCRdepEqvwHzeOvNEycDUwEfSOshWm_wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CQ4NXj-al6Q/Wjc0FvQCMJI/AAAAAAAAB-o/VOCRdepEqvwHzeOvNEycDUwEfSOshWm_wCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5796.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of all salads, this one quickly rose to my Top 5 (assuming the mangoes are ripe). </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">This next recipe may not be wholly authentic, but it sounded good: spinach, avocado, and mango salad. The first thing I did was make the dressing, a kind of orange juice vinaigrette. In a glass soy sauce dispenser, I mixed together 1/3 c orange juice, 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar, 3 Tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp of chili powder, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ ground pepper and shook it to mix it all together. For the salad, I mixed together some baby spinach, chopped radicchio, sliced radishes, and diced mango. Then I added the dressing just before I served it and garnished it with diced avocado. First of all, the dressing was fire. I totally loved this and will make this dressing again. I’ve never used radicchio before, but it was pretty good. It’s like a small red and white cabbage. My mango wasn’t nearly as ripe as it should’ve been, but it was still good. Overall, I thought this salad was wonderful. It would be awesome to bring to a get together in the summer. <span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zhyFra17MvI/Wjc0LZq2b-I/AAAAAAAAB-s/L7c2AbJkwcQQYqidwoqwiefnfUGpHk60gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zhyFra17MvI/Wjc0LZq2b-I/AAAAAAAAB-s/L7c2AbJkwcQQYqidwoqwiefnfUGpHk60gCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5797.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overall, I loved all of it. All. Of. It. It was fire for sure. </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">I thought this was a good meal. I was actually kind of surprised at how good it was. My son would hardly touch anything on his plate, but my daughter and I thought it was excellent. I know I’m going to have some good leftovers for lunch tomorrow. And this meal wraps it up for 2017. I’ll post my traditional end-of-year stats on the evening of 12/31, but then I’m taking another break. I was supposed to be cooking the next country on New Year’s Eve, but my kids missed my tradition of making Brazilian feijoada on NYE, and really, who can blame them? Feijoada is the perfect way to bring in the new year. Anyway, I can’t wait to see what new things I come across in 2018. And hopefully the world won’t burn away. <span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Up next: Saint Kitts &amp; Nevis</span></span></div>Beth Adamshttps://plus.google.com/104383010702337082747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266638623269234342.post-74402022261903901912017-12-16T23:31:00.000-05:002017-12-16T23:31:01.652-05:00RWANDA: MUSIC AND DANCE <style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Book Antiqua"; panose-1:2 4 6 2 5 3 5 3 3 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --></style> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">The traditional music in Rwanda spans a number of origins. Of the traditions that resonate most with Rwandans is the ikinimba. This musical style is accompanied by a dance of the same name and centered around stories of ancient heroes and kings.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://thisisafrica.me/lifestyle/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2015/10/Jim-Richardson-Getty-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="760" height="181" src="https://thisisafrica.me/lifestyle/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2015/10/Jim-Richardson-Getty-cover.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Some of the common instruments utilized in ikinimba (and other musical styles) include the inanga (a lyre-like instrument, thought to be one of the first instruments invented in this area), ingoma (sometimes written as ngoma, a type of drum), umuduri (a bowed string instrument using a gourd as a resonator and has a rattle), and the ikembe (kind of like an mbira, or thumb piano). </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/wlrxndl8fPc/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wlrxndl8fPc?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Dance is often performed in tandem with music. In many areas across the country, amatoreru groups have been established to teach traditional music and dance to people in order to preserve their heritage and cultural arts. A few of the famous ones include Amasimbi n’amakombe, Irindiro, and the Ballet National Urukerereza. One dance that is popular is the intore dance, featuring dancers wearing head dresses with long grasses that make them look like they have blonde hair. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/UMj-x5dgWyY/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UMj-x5dgWyY?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">As far as modern music goes, there is quite a bit of regional influence coming in from neighboring countries as well as the Caribbean, Europe, and the US. Styles like zouk, reggae, R&amp;B, hip-hop, and gospel has worked its way into Rwandan music as well. The first one I listened to is Jean-Paul Samputu. An award-winning musical artist, he creates a neo-traditional style of music. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/7y9W0aG7SLM/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7y9W0aG7SLM?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Cecile Kayirebwa is another musician who brings traditional music to a modern era. You can really hear the vocal harmonic traditions in her music. Although she lives in Belgium, she’s probably one of the more well known musicians who brings Rwandan music to the international level. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/lnodm0azW4w/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lnodm0azW4w?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Now one musician I came across (who I didn’t realize I’ve heard before on a Youssoupha album I have) is Corneille. He had a pretty tragic coming-of-age during the Genocide (a story likely repeated hundreds of thousands of times), but it’s pretty evident where he put his focus into. And it also doesn’t hurt that he’s easy on the eyes. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/YMenhiJTp_k/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YMenhiJTp_k?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Mani Martin is a good example of some Afrobeat with other styles mixed in. I like this because it makes me happy. It’s just happy music. Like, if you listen to this, you can’t really feel all that bad. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/hhtXk2CgHbs/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hhtXk2CgHbs?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">I listened to Miss Jojo, an R&amp;B musician. I think it has a little bit of a dancehall element to it at times and sometimes a little bit pop. It’s pretty catchy, especially if you’re looking for something to dance to. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Up next: the food</span></span></div>Beth Adamshttps://plus.google.com/104383010702337082747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266638623269234342.post-54666699787801167752017-12-13T21:09:00.002-05:002017-12-13T21:09:54.027-05:00RWANDA: ART AND LITERATURE <style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Book Antiqua"; panose-1:2 4 6 2 5 3 5 3 3 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --></style> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Traditional arts mostly consist of crafts, and especially functional ones. Many of their arts are similar to other cultures in this area. Weaving is one of the key crafts and is seen in woven baskets and bowls. The weavers will often weave in designs into whatever it is they’re creating using different colored fibers.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.humankindslo.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_5852WEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.humankindslo.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_5852WEB.jpg" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="500" height="320" width="239" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">&nbsp;</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Pottery and wood carving are also common and used in a number of ways from utensils to tools. They’re well known for their carvings of figurines. These arts, which continue today, give a connection with their past. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/49/Fresque_Imigongo-Festival_international_de_g%C3%A9ographie_2011_(2).jpg/1200px-Fresque_Imigongo-Festival_international_de_g%C3%A9ographie_2011_(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/49/Fresque_Imigongo-Festival_international_de_g%C3%A9ographie_2011_(2).jpg/1200px-Fresque_Imigongo-Festival_international_de_g%C3%A9ographie_2011_(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;"><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">One strange art is a cow dung art called imigongo. The dung is mixed with different kinds of soils and natural materials to give it different colors and then painted into geometric shapes. Typically, the colors are black, grey, white, and red, although sometimes you’ll see a yellowish-beige color every now and then.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41GAhsh8VqL._AC_UL320_SR248,320_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="248" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41GAhsh8VqL._AC_UL320_SR248,320_.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Most of the literature of Rwanda is written in either Kinyarwanda or in French. For much of their history, their stories were told orally. And of the works that were written down, it was divided into two categories: formal and non-formal. Formal works included official documents, religious texts, etc. Non-formal works were basically popular stories. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://images.penguinrandomhouse.com/cover/9780914671039" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://images.penguinrandomhouse.com/cover/9780914671039" width="248" /></a></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">A few of the major authors from Rwanda include <b>Alexis Kagame</b> (a historian who also covered poetry and mythology), <b>Benjamin Sehene</b> (novelist, mostly about the Genocide), <b>Scholastique Mukasonga</b>(famous for her novel Our Lady of the Nile), and <b>Saverio Naigiki</b> (known for his autobiography and his novel L’Optimiste). </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Up next: music and dance</span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Beth Adamshttps://plus.google.com/104383010702337082747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266638623269234342.post-16911182833605950542017-12-10T22:45:00.002-05:002017-12-10T22:45:18.243-05:00RWANDA: THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE <style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Book Antiqua"; panose-1:2 4 6 2 5 3 5 3 3 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --></style> <br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">If you were at least a teenager during the 1990s, it’s hard not to escape the Rwanda of that decade. The horrific images dominated the news just as Syria does now. (I wonder what Syria will look like in 25 years??). I didn’t quite understand what it was all about entirely; I was 14 years old in 1994. But when I watched the 2004 movie <i>Hotel Rwanda</i> many years later, it put a face to the events.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://resizing.flixster.com/_CTzAIY-T7FePPvNNJbvUFYeuzA=/2000x1500/v1.bjszMTk0MDc7ajsxNzU1MzsxMjAwOzIwMDA7MTUwMA" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://resizing.flixster.com/_CTzAIY-T7FePPvNNJbvUFYeuzA=/2000x1500/v1.bjszMTk0MDc7ajsxNzU1MzsxMjAwOzIwMDA7MTUwMA" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scene from the movie <i>Hotel Rwanda</i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">The name Rwanda means “land” and may be based on the word <i>kwanda</i>, meaning “expand” in the Kinyarwanda language. It may also be based on the similar Rwanda-Rundi word <i>rwanda</i>, which means “domain” or “place that’s occupied by a swarm.” Probably not the most pleasant of origins.<span>&nbsp; </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://toursmaps.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/map-of-rwanda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://toursmaps.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/map-of-rwanda.jpg" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="617" height="242" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Rwanda is located in eastern Africa and is surrounded by Uganda to the north, Tanzania to the east, Burundi to the south, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. Lake Kivu (on of the deepest lakes in the world) is a significant body of water on the border with the DRC. This landlocked country is one of the smallest countries in Africa and only a few degrees north of the equator. The central and western portions of the country are fairly mountainous. Typically, they have two rainy seasons separated by a couple of dry ones, even though global warming has changed the amount of rain they get and the severity of storms. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/ah.sized.images/desktop/rwanda-volcano-national-park-inline-6_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/ah.sized.images/desktop/rwanda-volcano-national-park-inline-6_lg.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of Volcano National Park</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">During the Iron Age, several groups that were part of the Bantu migration moved into this area. Most of these groups were hunter gatherers. There are a few theories about the origins of the Hutu and Tutsi groups, but most center around making a racial or classist distinction between the two groups. The Twa (pygmies) were also originally in the area, but later moved to the mountain areas as others moved in. There were about eight kingdoms here when the Kingdom of Rwanda began taking over some of the smaller ones. King Rwabugiri issued a ruling forcing Hutu to work for Tutsi chiefs, which exacerbated the rift between the Hutu and Tutsi. After the Berlin Conference of 1884, this land was put under German control, then called German East Africa. The Germans really didn’t change a whole lot and deferred most matters to local authorities. But then the Belgians took control of Rwanda and Burundi during WWI, combining the two into Ruanda-Urundi. The Belgians, like the Germans, still favored the Tutsis in control, but took it a step further by requiring people who have ID cards establishing which group they belonged to. Tensions arose, leading to the 1959 Rwandan Revolution that displaced nearly a hundred thousand people into nearby countries. In 1962, Rwanda finally broke off of Burundi and declared its own independence. Juvénal Habyarimana took over in a coup; however, the violence and tensions between the two groups continued for the next two decades. The RPF (Rwandan Patriotic Front) invaded from their base in Uganda and all hell broke loose. When Habyarimana’s plane was shot down in 1994, it led to the infamous Rwandan Genocide. It’s estimated that between a half million and one million people died during a period of about 100 days. I remember journalists reporting that rivers were running red from the amount of bodies being dumped in the rivers. Although it took a long time to recover from the civil wars, Rwanda has taken several initiatives to a better quality of life. Rwanda is only one of two countries with a female majority in its national assembly (Bolivia is the other one.). </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.newtimes.co.rw/files/photos/1469556501kcc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.newtimes.co.rw/files/photos/1469556501kcc.jpg" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kigali Convention Center</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Centrally located, the capital and largest city in Rwanda is Kigali. The city actually wasn’t founded until 1907 when it was under German control. When Rwanda gained its independence in 1962, they established the capital in Kigali. Traditionally, the capital city had been at Nyanza, which was where the seat of kings had been. The colonial capital had been in Astrida (now known as Butare). And Kigali only won out because of its central location. It grew rather quickly, although it was the center of the Rwandan Genocide. Today, it has over 1.1 million people. It’s the center of government, commerce, finance, transportation, and media. It also has several colleges and universities, museums, sports venues, restaurants and hotels, parks, shopping centers, and arts venues. </span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/160329141401-gorilla-fossey-fung-10-super-169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/160329141401-gorilla-fossey-fung-10-super-169.jpg" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ecotourism, especially to see mountain gorillas, is especially popular.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">After the genocide, it took a while for Rwanda’s economy to recover, partnering with China, Germany, and the US for major exports. There aren’t that many natural resources in Rwanda at all, so many people depend on subsistence farming, mostly in sweet potatoes, cassava, matoke (green bananas), maize, potatoes, wheat, coffee, and beans. Even at that, there are a few minerals that are mined to go with a small manufacturing and industry side of the economy. Tourism, and especially ecotourism, has grown since reconstruction. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/08/19/e0/34/getlstd-property-photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="550" height="225" src="https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/08/19/e0/34/getlstd-property-photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;"><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Because of European colonialism, Roman Catholicism is still the dominant religion in Rwanda. However, since the genocide, Protestantism has grown in numbers, and to a smaller degree, so has Islam. There’s an extremely low number of people who do not adhere to any religion while many people still hold onto traditional beliefs (although they’re often coupled with following a major religion at the same time). </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3499/3987894098_46212e65da_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="601" height="320" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3499/3987894098_46212e65da_b.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Primarily, most Rwandans speak Kinyarwanda, which is considered the official language. English and French are also official languages; English is the language most schools teach in, and French is left over from the Belgian occupation. Both French and English are also widely used in the African community, so it’s certainly an advantage to having a functional fluency. German is also used in certain aspects as well as Swahili, a lingua franca in East Africa. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://rovinggastronome.com/mainblog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/rwanda-289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://rovinggastronome.com/mainblog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/rwanda-289.jpg" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Several years ago, Rwanda banned plastic bags. While initially, I thought (and probably a lot of environmentalists across the world) that this was a great thing. Right? I mean, plastic bags take FOREVER to dissolve, if ever. But I came across an article on Al Jazeera that said there’s also been an unexpected downside to all of this: it’s created an underground plastic bag smuggling operation. For many grocers, plastic bags are just more practical; as vegetables sweat, it dampens the paper bags, which just falls apart. People have gone to great lengths to sell plastic bags on the down low at a great risk—some who have been caught were handed six months’ jail sentence. So, while the intentions were good, there is probably a better way to handle situations like this. In the coming week, I’ll revisit these markets, except on the side of the food. And what I picked out sounds so good. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Up next: art and literature</span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Beth Adamshttps://plus.google.com/104383010702337082747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266638623269234342.post-37977062882779618012017-12-03T21:47:00.001-05:002017-12-04T18:59:15.176-05:00RUSSIA: THE FOOD<style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Book Antiqua"; panose-1:2 4 6 2 5 3 5 3 3 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --></style> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">Well, I’m finally getting around the cooking Russian food. I had to put it off because of Thanksgiving. I really don’t enjoy the holidays. It just interrupts everything I’m doing, and I end up having to spend a lot of extra money this time of year. New Years is fine—it just celebrates what I do every weekend: staying up until midnight drinking. And there’s no religious aspect to it. Although, I’ll end up taking another break around then because my family wants me to make Brazilian feijoada again. And who can blame them?&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6C3-MK60eUA/WiS03H8dPOI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/5ROxzvM5hxU14UuMtPoHYUPeZr09BwDxwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="584" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6C3-MK60eUA/WiS03H8dPOI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/5ROxzvM5hxU14UuMtPoHYUPeZr09BwDxwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5750.JPG" width="292" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rough and hearty. </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">But today is something that is appealing to me: Russian food. The first thing I started off with is Russian Black Bread. In a large bowl, I mixed together 1 c of rye flour, 1 ¼ tsp salt, 2 Tbsp butter (I use unsalted butter), 2 Tbsp molasses, 1 Tbsp brown sugar, 3 Tbsp cocoa, 1 tsp espresso or instant coffee, 1 packet of yeast, 1 ½ c of all purpose flour, 2 Tbsp of apple cider vinegar, and 1 1/8 c lukewarm water. I mixed this until it started to form a dough. Then I slowly added in 1 c of all-purpose flour and mixed well, kneading for 5-7 minutes until it was pretty elastic. I covered it and let it rest for about an hour. After this time, I put my dough into a greased bread pan and covered it with a greased plastic wrap and let it rest for another hour. Before putting it into my 375ºF oven, I brushed the top with water and lightly dusted the top with rye flour and added a few slashes to the top. I baked this for about 30-35 minutes. It was actually pretty dry and very earthy. By itself, it’s pretty hearty, but I think it would go better with some cheese (smoke gouda perhaps?) or a spread of some sort. </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FxoIdyo9OxA/WiS09CMXp5I/AAAAAAAAB9U/nvFQVtBLheEfyviFrQmwaQETFppF5ZnEQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FxoIdyo9OxA/WiS09CMXp5I/AAAAAAAAB9U/nvFQVtBLheEfyviFrQmwaQETFppF5ZnEQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5747.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even sans egg noodles, it was still amazing.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">My main dish today is Bef Stroganov, or as we know it, Beef Stroganoff. The recipe I was using called for beef tenderloin, but I used a beef London broil/top round cut instead. I cut it into 2” long strips and seasoned it with salt and pepper. In my skillet, I sautéed some onions in butter and then added in some sliced white mushrooms until they start to “wilt.” Then I added in my beef strips and sauté for 5-10 more minutes until the meat started to turn, at which point I add in 1 Tbsp of flour. I mix together some beef broth, dry mustard, and tomato paste before pouring it into my skillet and stir everything together. Toward the end, I mix in about a ½ c of sour cream and 3 oz of white wine, stirring and let everything simmer for another 15 minutes or so. This was fabulous. The only thing I might do differently would be to turn down my heat and let it cook for another 10-15 minutes until it was even more tender. Otherwise, it was very good. And I served this by itself (well, with my side dishes), as opposed to the American version, which tends to use ground beef and served on egg noodles. I also learned there are some who serve it on rice. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NOS0VyUJarQ/WiS1CtH-39I/AAAAAAAAB9Y/BZ9l-CnpILML-dzKOiPukTk7utPT5r1QgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="640" height="319" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NOS0VyUJarQ/WiS1CtH-39I/AAAAAAAAB9Y/BZ9l-CnpILML-dzKOiPukTk7utPT5r1QgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5748.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love dill. It's such a pretty plant, and it's quite tasty. </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">To go with this, I served Potatoes a la Russe. I brought a pot of water to a boil and cut a lemon into quarters, squeezing the juice into the water and just dropping the whole thing in there. Then I added in a bay leaf, some salt and pepper and boiled my peeled and cut potatoes. Once I drained them in a colander, I transferred just the potatoes back to the pot, adding in a little bit of fresh dill, a little olive oil, and some minced garlic. Holding the lid back on, I picked up the entire pot and shook it to coat the potatoes on the inside (a little harder than it seems since the pot is still hot). Then I transferred it to a serving dish, adding a little more dill on top. Other than needing a touch more salt, I thought this was a very good side to the Beef Stroganoff.&nbsp; </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;"> </span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">And finally, I made Russian Gingered Carrots. To make this easy dish, I peeled and cut up 4 carrots into rounds and combined it with some ginger and sugar in a bowl, stirring to coat. I let it sit for about 20 minutes before melting a bit of butter in a pan and adding the carrot mixture in. I also added in a pinch of salt and some fresh marjoram as it sautéed until the carrots were soft. This dish right here surprised me the most. There was something about the flavor of the marjoram and the ginger meshing the way it did that I didn’t expect. I especially liked this one. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fQ7uc7-JZ1A/WiS1WPz3VpI/AAAAAAAAB9c/-7J1AZRa2o4fclAfuF4-o6rT_Lvfd1I1wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_5751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fQ7uc7-JZ1A/WiS1WPz3VpI/AAAAAAAAB9c/-7J1AZRa2o4fclAfuF4-o6rT_Lvfd1I1wCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_5751.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overall, this was an excellent meal if I may say so. </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">And of course I can’t forget vodka. Russia is famous for its vodka. I haven’t had vodka for such a long time, and although it’s probably not authentic at all, I bought vanilla vodka, which is actually pretty good. There are actually several Russian-named drinks: White Russian, Black Russian, Moscow Mule to name a few (basically, they all have vodka in them). So, all in all, this was a good meal, and I’m almost inspired to relearn my Cyrillic. It started to come back to me a little as I read through articles and such. Maybe I’ll go back and try to learn some Russian on Duolingo. Right after I finish up German. And French and Dutch. &nbsp;</span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">Up next: Rwanda&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></span> Beth Adamshttps://plus.google.com/104383010702337082747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266638623269234342.post-15961025894672047862017-12-03T00:26:00.002-05:002017-12-03T00:26:47.781-05:00RUSSIA: MUSIC AND DANCE<style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Book Antiqua"; panose-1:2 4 6 2 5 3 5 3 3 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --></style> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">Russian folk music spans many ethnic groups and cultures. Each group has their own varieties and music and dance. Folk music is still quite popular and is often tied with many of their cultural celebrations. However, during the Soviet era, folk music was seen as something different. It was either for the people (democratic) or for the working class (proletariat). Art music was often seen as being higher-class. Traditional folk music was even pushed as an alternative to other Western music.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.barynya.com/barynya/images/2009/atlantic_city_nj_august/leonid_bruk_balalaika_contrabass_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.barynya.com/barynya/images/2009/atlantic_city_nj_august/leonid_bruk_balalaika_contrabass_sm.jpg" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="610" height="320" width="295" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a contrabass balalaika. File this instrument under "Size doesn't matter." </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">In the earliest days, the Russian Orthodox Church banned musical instruments, saying they were from the devil. (No, just the woodwinds. Just kidding, I love my woodwind-playing friends.) Singing became the preferred means of music (they obviously have never heard what I call Old Lady Soprano), used for both singing religious songs and songs about village life. It’s no wonder that Russia has developed some of the world’s finest choral ensembles. Some of the more common instruments include the balalaika (a triangle-shaped, 3-stringed instrument), domra (Russian version of the mandolin with either 3 or 4 strings), gudok (pear-shaped bowed instrument), a couple of different kinds of accordions (bayan, garmon), svirel (Russian flute), volynka (Russian version of the bagpipes), zhaleika (Russian clarinet/hornpipe), and several different percussion equivalents.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/rMH2baTVeIA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rMH2baTVeIA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">There are several types of Russian folk dance. One of the more common types is the khorovod, a circle dance where dancers hold hands and sing. Others include a bear dance (where dancers dress as bears), the kazachok (of Russian and Ukrainian origin, literally “Little Cossack”), the kamarinskaya (a quick tune accompanying a squatting dance called the kazatsky), and the chechotka (a tap dance typically in woven shoes made from bast [fibers from the bark of certain trees]). Russia is also well known for its ballet schools. And of course, it's acrobatic Cossack Dance. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/_5r8sa863Ts/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_5r8sa863Ts?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">As far as classical music goes, Russian classical music goes back to court music and religious music. It wasn’t until Mikhail Glinka focused on secular music and wrote some of the first Russian operas. Along came a group of composers known by the nickname “The Might Five”: Rimsky-Korsakov, Borodin, Mussorgsky, Cui, and Balakirev. One of the most famous composers is Tchaikovsky, and perhaps his successor Rachmaninoff. The 20<sup>th</sup> century brought along composers such as Stravinsky, Prokofiev, Scriabin, and Shostakovich.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/5t4GDx911ts/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5t4GDx911ts?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">As far as modern music goes, I found several that I liked. I had long been a fan of <b>t.A.T.u.</b> since they first came out on the music scene. They gained a lot of attention because no one could really figure out whether they were lesbians or not (gasp!). Their music is half pop, half techno. And that’s what I liked about it.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/oaZl12Z5P7g/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oaZl12Z5P7g?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">Another group that has made the news many times is <b>Pussy Riot</b>. When I first started hearing about them, it was kind of awkward because of their name, but now, thanks to “grab ‘em by the pussy,” it’s no longer quite as awkward. They’re quite open about their opposition to the Putin and Trump administrations. I really wish they’d make a full-length album. I love their style. I'd totally buy it. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/nj5nuYYrZvg/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nj5nuYYrZvg?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">I came across quite a few indie and alternative bands that I could get down with. I’m just gonna list them here: <b>Mumiy Troll</b> (kind of reminds me of the Brazilian band Skank in a way), <b>Zemfira</b> (a good example of creating catchy songs with the minimal number of chords possible), <b>Splean</b>(for the most part, tends to be a little slower), <b>Bi-2</b> (sounds like they would be good friends with The Smiths. Maybe.), <b>Zveri</b> (a little harder, with a 1990s sound), and <b>Korol i Shut</b>(definitely a harder sound on this one, almost punk at times but then they’ll change up to a classical/folk sound).&nbsp; </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/a-CnWwbeetE/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a-CnWwbeetE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">I listened to <b>Leningrad</b>, who has almost a gypsy punk/spa sound, eerily a lot like Gogol Bordello (who I’m a big fan of). There’s one song that uses asterisks in it, indicating it’s a bad word, but it’s in Russian, so I have no idea what it is. It’s a little anticlimactic. Another ska band I came across is <b>Distemper</b>. Pretty catchy stuff. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/x_fRxBqPjhE/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x_fRxBqPjhE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">One metal band I found is <b>Mechanical Poet</b>. They mixed a lot of strings into their music as well, maintaining a goth sound to their music. And like t.A.T.u. and Pussy Riot, they also sing in English. <b>Arkona</b> is another folk metal band I came across as well. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/-vbUlKl5MkM/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-vbUlKl5MkM?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">There were even a couple of hip-hop groups I listened to. <b>Bad Balance</b> is one I listened to. The flow and rhythms were pretty good and the underlying music was pretty catchy. The same is true for <b>Vlady &amp; Kasta</b>. <b>Kirpichi</b>is a little different because the music underneath is closer to rock beats, although they will use other styles. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/VEfdzcwlqHo/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VEfdzcwlqHo?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">I even found a Russian reggae band: <b>Jah Division</b>. I’m a fan of global reggae, and it always amazes me that everyone adds a little bit of their own flavor to it. In this case, there is a very prominent Russian flair to it. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9tL87-e1t6Y/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9tL87-e1t6Y?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">There are also several DJs and electronic artists out there that span many different sub-genres. A couple that I listened to was <b>Serebro</b> (more club dance style crossed with pop) and <b>Otto Dix</b> (like a cross between folk metal and electronica. Rob Zombie meets The Nightmare Before Christmas). </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">Up next: the food</span></span></div>Beth Adamshttps://plus.google.com/104383010702337082747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266638623269234342.post-88245173739834845502017-11-27T20:14:00.003-05:002017-11-27T20:14:57.258-05:00RUSSIA: ART AND LITERATURE <style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Book Antiqua"; panose-1:2 4 6 2 5 3 5 3 3 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --></style> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Russia is known for several types of its folk art. Probably one of the most widely known pieces are Russian nesting dolls (my husband said he knew these as Russian cup dolls), otherwise called Matryoshka dolls. Each doll fits into the next larger doll, and there are typically six or more, although many sets I’ve seen only include 4-5 dolls. For the most part, the dolls are painted like peasant girls, but sometimes it can be fairy tale characters or national/political leaders (what a way to ruin a kid’s toy).&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51NtveuL%2BML._SL500_AC_SS350_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51NtveuL%2BML._SL500_AC_SS350_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Other handicrafts include Dymkovo toy (painted clay figurines of animals and people), gzhel pottery (a type of pottery noted for its white or cream background and blue glazed painting/decoration), Khokhloma (a type of painting using a black background with floral decorations, typically in red and gold but sometimes with added green), Zhostovo painting (painting floral or natural scenes on metal serving trays), palekh (a type of lacquered papier-mâché), pysanka (elaborately painted Easter eggs, of a Ukrainian origin), and Filimonovo toys (small, brightly painted clay figures). </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.fromrussia.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/4/9/49979_004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://www.fromrussia.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/4/9/49979_004.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Khokhloma</td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">As far as painting goes, early Russian artists were known for their icon paintings of religious figures and Biblical characters. There were actually pretty strict guidelines in how to paint this, and Andrei Rublev was one of the more well known painters of this time. By the 17<sup>th</sup> century, there was a split in whether to paint them more realistic or not, based on the growing trend of Western European realism spreading throughout Europe.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.nybooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/modest-mussorgsky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.nybooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/modest-mussorgsky.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="652" height="320" width="260" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">famous painting of composer Modest Mussorgsky, painted by Ilya Repin </td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">In 1757, the Russian Academy of the Arts opened its doors, and Russian artists were learning many of the styles and techniques that were making waves in the rest of Europe. Many artists made their living during the 18<sup>th</sup> and 19<sup>th</sup>century by painting portraits. Realism rose to prominence during the 19<sup>th</sup>century; artists painted landscapes and other scenes of daily life, although many artists just started creating their own styles in the 20<sup>th</sup>century, including avant-garde. </span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/45/Natalia_Goncharova%2C_1913%2C_The_Cyclist%2C_oil_on_canvas%2C_78_x_105_cm%2C_The_Russian_Museum%2C_St.Petersburg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="800" height="239" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/45/Natalia_Goncharova%2C_1913%2C_The_Cyclist%2C_oil_on_canvas%2C_78_x_105_cm%2C_The_Russian_Museum%2C_St.Petersburg.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">by avant-garde painter Natalia Goncharova</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Most of the literature produced by Russians is written in Russian, although there is a significant number of works written in Tatar and Ukrainian as well. Russian is one of the six official languages used by the UN, and about a quarter of scientific literature is written in Russian. It’s also the second-most used language on the web, next to English. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/49/Vasilisa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="633" height="320" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/49/Vasilisa.jpg" width="253" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Folklore has long been a staple source of stories in Russia. Throughout the centuries, there have been many interpretations of Russian fairy tales. Initially, Stalin was going to throw out fairy tales as being useless to his evil diabolical plans, but Maxim Gorky convinced him they could use fairy tales to their advantage to push their Communist agenda. So, many of these fairy tales that the people knew so well were modified as Soviet fairy tales now. (Great, now fairy tales, too?) </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://is1.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Publication/v4/c7/5f/93/c75f93e2-9f03-82a0-3970-332d46ce3b26/source/1200x630bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://is1.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Publication/v4/c7/5f/93/c75f93e2-9f03-82a0-3970-332d46ce3b26/source/1200x630bb.jpg" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="413" height="320" width="209" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Now, we come to my favorite part: 19<sup>th</sup>- and 20<sup>th</sup>-century Russian literature. I’ve been a fan of this period of Russian literature of many years. I discovered it in college. Each author is different, many of it is philosophical and centered around the complexity of human emotions. That’s why I like it, I suppose. And this period not only included novels, but there were many short stories, poems, and plays as well. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hackneyhive.co.uk/index/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Uncle-Vanya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.hackneyhive.co.uk/index/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Uncle-Vanya.jpg" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="800" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">scene from the play Uncle Vanya (Chekhov)</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Here are a few of my favorites, and I’d recommend any of these: <b>Anton Chekhov</b> (<i>The Seagull; Uncle Vanya; Three Sisters; The Cherry Orchard</i>), <b>Leo Tolstoy</b> (<i>War and Peace; Anna Karenina; The Death of Ivan Ilyich</i>), <b>Fyodor Dostoyevsky</b> (<i>Crime and Punishment; The Idiot; The Brothers Karamazov; Notes from Underground</i>), <b>Boris Pasternak</b> (<i>Doctor Zhivago</i>), and <b>Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn </b>(<i>One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich</i>).</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1427731744l/17125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="310" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1427731744l/17125.jpg" width="208" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">There were three Russian authors (when it was the Soviet Union) who have won the Nobel Prize for Literature: <b>Boris Pasternak</b> (1958 – he was famous for his refusal of the prize under pressure from the Soviet government), <b>Mikhail Sholokhov</b>(1965), and <b>Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn</b>(1970).</span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://movieboozer.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/DoctorZhivago.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://movieboozer.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/DoctorZhivago.jpg" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="800" height="239" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">A few famous authors who I haven’t read much yet include <b>Ivan Turgenev</b> (<i>Fathers and Sons</i>), <b>Vladimir Nabokov</b> (<i>Lolita</i>), <b>Alexander Pushkin</b> (<i>Boris Godunov; Eugene Onegin</i>), <b>Mikhail Sholokhov</b> (<i>And Quiet Flows the Don</i>), and <b>Nikolai Gogol</b> (<i>Evenings on a Farm Near Dikanka; Taras Bulba; Marriage, </i>several short stories).</span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Up next: music and dance</span></span></div>Beth Adamshttps://plus.google.com/104383010702337082747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266638623269234342.post-25498341172328920782017-11-12T19:59:00.003-05:002017-11-12T19:59:49.903-05:00RUSSIA: THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE <style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Book Antiqua"; panose-1:2 4 6 2 5 3 5 3 3 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --></style> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">You can’t go anywhere without hearing about Russia in the news these days. And, well, they’ve pretty much been in our news and forethoughts quite a bit over the last 100-150 years, give or take. It’s like we have a frenemy relationship with them. If our countries had Facebook pages, our relationship status would be “It’s complicated.” However, I’ve been a huge fan of Russian literature and Russian classical music for a long time and have played around with learning Russian on Duolingo but have forgotten almost all of the Cyrillic I taught myself. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5b/1_Saint_Basils_Cathedral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="460" height="320" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5b/1_Saint_Basils_Cathedral.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">&nbsp;</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Russia is named after the medieval Slavic state, Rus. There were actually other states denoting the same name. The Kievan Rus, which was one of the largest of these, were made of these medieval Rus tribes along with Swedish warriors and merchants who relocated to the area. Most other languages base their word for Russia on the root “Rus” although there are a few outliers (Finnish, Estonian – you have some explaining to do).&nbsp; <span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.russiamap.org/images/full/political-cis-94.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.russiamap.org/images/full/political-cis-94.jpg" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="800" height="224" width="320" /></a></span></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">As the largest country by area, Russian is one of the few countries that span two continents (Europe and Asia) and 11 time zones. Its European neighbors include Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Belarus, and Ukraine. It also includes the exclave Kaliningrad situated between Lithuania and Poland. Its neighbors in Asia include Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, China, North Korea, and a maritime border with Japan and the US. Russia also touches a number of bodies of water: Baltic Sea, Black Sea, Caspian Sea, Sea of Japan, Sea of Okhotsk, Bearing Sea, East Siberian Sea, Kara Sea, and Barents Sea. Lake Baikal in Siberia is the deepest lake in the world. Although most of the country is known for its harsh winters, parts of its southern reaches can stay quite mild during the winters (which is why I thought Sochi was a weird decision for a Winter Olympics). </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://static.adweek.com/adweek.com-prod/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2014/02/Sochi-2014-Company-Olympics.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://static.adweek.com/adweek.com-prod/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2014/02/Sochi-2014-Company-Olympics.png" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="320" height="320" width="246" /></a></span></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Although the Greeks and Romans visited the area since the 8<sup>th</sup> century BC, the Rus and other Slavic tribes started moving into this area around the 7<sup>th</sup> century. By the 10<sup>th</sup> century, the Kievian Rus were one of the most flourishing tribal states throughout Europe. It was around this time when they adopted Orthodox Christianity from the Byzantines. Unfortunately, they fell to the Mongols who were moving onto their turf. The Grand Duchy of Moscow emerged in its place but were still dealing with attacks from the Mongols and Tatars. In 1547, Ivan the Terrible was crowned as the first Tsar (“Caesar”). He was the one responsible for really expanding Russia’s territory. The Romanov Dynasty began in 1613. This was a time of continued uprisings and conflicts; the Cossacks, a semi-military self-governing group, rose to prominence and later aligned themselves with the Tsardom, helping the Russians explore Siberia. By the time Peter the Great (namesake of St. Petersburg) was in power, Russia was seen as a world power. Catherine the Great and Alexander I both greatly expanded Russia’s territories, and in 1820, Russian explorers first landed in Antarctica. Nicholas II, the last tsar, was made famous because his entire family was murdered by the Bolsheviks in 1918 (the basis of the 1997 movie <i>Anastasia</i>). Russia entered WWI on the side of Serbia. Afterwards, it became a communist state at the influence of Vladimir Lenin. When Josef Stalin took over, he basically killed everyone who didn’t think like him and enacted an extreme form of state atheism. Although Russia tried to befriend Germany during the early part of WWII, Germany still invaded Russia and then it was on. Nikita Khrushchev tried to undo what Stalin put into place and encouraged the Russian Space Program, finally launching the <i>Sputnik I</i> in 1957. Mikhail Gorbachev tried to build on that, but high inflation left the economy in a rough place. In 1991, Russia broke up with itself, and 15 separate states were created. Boris Yeltsin was the first president voted in. The 1990s generally saw a period of corruption, economic instability, and lawlessness. Violent crime and criminal gangs were on the rise. Vladimir Putin became president in 2000 (although he switched positions with Dmitri Medvedev and became the PM in 2008, but then switched back in 2012). In 2014, Putin invaded Crimea and annexed it for Russia.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a2/Moscow-City2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a2/Moscow-City2015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Moscow is the largest city and capital of Russia. Located on the European side of the country, it has over 17 million people in its urban area. It has Ostankino Tower (the tallest skyscraper in Europe), and it’s also famous for sites such as the Kremlin (where the seat of government meets), the Red Square, Saint Basil’s Cathedral, and Gorky Park. Today, Moscow is a modern city with many museum, theatres, galleries, sports venues, world-class restaurants and entertainment, a center for commerce, and universities.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://pre00.deviantart.net/7a40/th/pre/i/2017/277/c/b/sputnik_i_by_decoechoes-dbpgja8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="320" src="https://pre00.deviantart.net/7a40/th/pre/i/2017/277/c/b/sputnik_i_by_decoechoes-dbpgja8.png" width="213" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Russia has an upper-middle income mixed economy. They’re one of the most expensive countries to visit. And while things have become more stable over the past 15 years or so as far as unemployment rates and the average nominal salary, the middle class is slowly diminishing, feeling the effects of income inequality. Agriculturally, they are a huge producer of grains, meat, fish, and forest products. Science, technology, and space programs are also very much economic drivers in Russia. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://travelever.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/7-catholic-cathedral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://travelever.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/7-catholic-cathedral.jpg" data-original-height="434" data-original-width="710" height="195" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;"><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Orthodox Christianity has been around Russia since about the 10<sup>th</sup> century. However, many people in Slavic countries have double beliefs in Orthodox Christianity and one of the indigenous beliefs. During the communist years, a Marxist-Leninist form of forced atheism dominated. There is still a significant number of atheists in Russia (including those who adhere to a spiritualism but not necessarily religious). There are also smaller number of other Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, and other religions in Russia. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://rtwbytrain.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/picture-005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://rtwbytrain.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/picture-005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;"><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">There are actually about 100 languages spoken in Russia, with Russian being the most widely-spoken and the official language. Tatar and Ukrainian come in second and third. Russian is the second-most used language on the Internet (hi, hackers!), after English. It also serves as an official language on the International Space Station. There are also 35 other languages that are official languages in various regions of the country. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/fiAkSzTGBIc/maxresdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/fiAkSzTGBIc/maxresdefault.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Siberia has always been a fascination for me. It’s so desolate. It’s always been the epitome of harshness. “I will dump you off in Siberia and leave you there.” “It feels like Siberia in this office.” (That second one could go both ways.) And there are some weird things out there. First of all, the people are so super healthy, they go swimming in bikinis and stuff down ice-fishing holes. I guess somehow they’re immune to hypothermia. But, cool. Pretty much the whole area is nothing but permafrost. And with global warming thawing a lot of it out, it’s releasing a lot of previously trapped methane. And that’s no bueno. Oh, and then there’s the Dalkdykan River that runs red. Probably from the blood of their enemies. Or iron deposits or something. Not to mention that some of the oldest human remains have been found in Siberia, even though the remains were unlike any they’ve ever found.<span>&nbsp; </span>[Cue X-Files theme.]</span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Up next: art and literature</span></span></div>Beth Adamshttps://plus.google.com/104383010702337082747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266638623269234342.post-31853060056964611702017-11-06T22:11:00.004-05:002017-11-06T22:11:59.038-05:00ROMANIA: THE FOOD <style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Book Antiqua"; panose-1:2 4 6 2 5 3 5 3 3 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --></style> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Well, my birthday came and went. And so did our 13<sup>th</sup> wedding anniversary. And so did Halloween. Last weekend, we finally took a trip to Cincinnati to visit the famous international grocery store Jungle Jim’s. It was amazing! We ended up with several cheeses, a bunch of candy, ice cream, and some other random stuff I totally needed. I want to go back again, but everyone was right: you’re not getting out of there spending less than $100.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rWrk5EfBVcI/WgEio1z-VRI/AAAAAAAAB8o/quBeF_yXexg6fopoiYAlZyRw1OjUQpwCQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rWrk5EfBVcI/WgEio1z-VRI/AAAAAAAAB8o/quBeF_yXexg6fopoiYAlZyRw1OjUQpwCQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5658.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had this for breakfast. It goes well with coffee. Especially the middle part of the bread. </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">But today is for cooking Romanian food. I started out with Cozonac bread. I put 1/3 c + 1 Tbsp of flour in a bowl. Then I brought 300 mL of milk to a boil but only poured 1/3 c + 1 Tbsp of the milk into the flour, stirred and let it cool down. I proofed my yeast with a little warm water and ½ tsp of sugar. Once the flour-milk mixture cooled down, I poured the yeast mixture into it and mixed it all together, covering with a towel and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. While I was waiting on that, I melted 7 Tbsp of butter and then let it cool a little. In a separate bowl, I mixed together 4 egg yolks and ½ tsp of salt, then adding in 1 Tbsp vanilla sugar, zest from ½ a lemon, ½ sugar, ½ Tbsp of rum (I used Bacardi Limón), 1 ½ Tbsp of vegetable oil, and half of the melted butter. I mixed this pretty well, and then poured it into the flour-milk-yeast mixture. At this point I added in the rest of the lukewarm milk from earlier and stirred. I sifted in the remaining 3 2/3 c of flour into the mixture, stirring and kneading it until it comes together and starts to pull itself from the sides of the bowl. I added in the rest of the melted butter and kept stirring and kneading the dough. I covered it and let it rest for another 15-20 minutes. While I was waiting on that, I made my filling. Of the four eggs I had, I reserved 2 of the egg whites and whisked them until they started to become stiff. Then I added in a ½ c of sugar and 1 Tbsp of rum and whisked it all again. I was supposed to whisk it until it became stiff again, but that never really happened, so I folded in my ground walnuts (about ½ c) anyway, hoping it would thicken up (it did a little). I rolled my dough out until it was about a ¼” thick or thinner and until it was about 14” x 23” large. I spread the filling out on top of the dough and used a knife to cut the dough in half (from the long side, creating two squares). Beginning on the side that was cut, I rolled the bread up and creased the edges, placing it in a buttered bread pan. I did the same for the other loaf and let both sit for another 10 minutes while the oven heated up to 375ºF. I put both in the oven and baked it for 45 minutes. When they were done, I took them out and let them cool. The tops of mine got a little darker than I like, but the flavor was great. The inside was so soft. I think I’m going to take my second loaf and make a bread pudding out of it -- maybe a vanilla and cranberry one.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yYRtT8-uM8E/WgEi6gT1bmI/AAAAAAAAB8s/XHdYIMJ3070JI8_d_kzi9beNxbuNQHepgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yYRtT8-uM8E/WgEi6gT1bmI/AAAAAAAAB8s/XHdYIMJ3070JI8_d_kzi9beNxbuNQHepgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5659.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I loved this! I'm going to attempt this again with some slight variations. </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">For the main meal, I made Cordon bleu snitel, a Romanian version of schnitzel. Not to be confused with the character Schnitzel from the cartoon Chowder. This called for cutting a boneless pork tenderloin into 8 equal parts and pounding it between two pieces of plastic wrap. After I did that for each one, I seasoned it with a little bit of salt and pepper. Then I placed a piece of prosciutto and thinly sliced piece of Swiss cheese on each one. Then I rolled it up, rolled it in flour, then an egg-water mixture, then some breadcrumbs, and fried it in a hot skillet with a little vegetable oil. I turned it to brown on both sides. But even though the breadcrumbs were browned, the pork wasn’t quite cooked all the way through. Maybe my slices were a little too thick. So, I put them on a baking sheet and put them in my oven at 375 for about 20 minutes. Then they were perfect. I really liked this, and it seemed to go over well with the rest of my picky family. I could probably save time and buy those thinly cut pork cutlets next time. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TIeWnAKcZzA/WgEi_c1onCI/AAAAAAAAB8w/hvYab_kRwYEio9-dux3nQvVwDEfYGyHxQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TIeWnAKcZzA/WgEi_c1onCI/AAAAAAAAB8w/hvYab_kRwYEio9-dux3nQvVwDEfYGyHxQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5657.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These were actually a bit too small. Next time, I'm going to try baby bellas. </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">To go with this, I made Ciuperci la cuptor, or baked mushrooms. This is a variation of stuffed mushrooms. I used smaller white mushrooms, washed them and removed the stems. I greased a baking sheet with olive oil and laid the mushrooms out on it. Then I brushed the mushrooms in a mixture of olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder. I prepared the filling: I mixed together some breadcrumbs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, olive oil, a little water and placed it in each mushroom. I topped this with some Parmesan cheese and a little bit of fresh dill. I baked this at 400ºF for about 20 minutes. I put a little too much salt in the breading mix, but otherwise, I thought they were a great accompaniment to the snitel. I do realize I didn’t serve any other vegetables with this meal, which I try to do. But that’s ok. I’ll get my veggies in later. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PE_TG1jnUTU/WgEjFLSP52I/AAAAAAAAB80/uJ0L6usFNA8VyoqN5ApYzW4u2mJw3KkJQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5662%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PE_TG1jnUTU/WgEjFLSP52I/AAAAAAAAB80/uJ0L6usFNA8VyoqN5ApYzW4u2mJw3KkJQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5662%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks like crap, but it's not. It's actually really good. Would also go well with coffee. </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">And to finish everything off, I made a dessert this time: Cherry filled Cocoa Truffles. I crushed some animal crackers until it was almost a powder with a few rough pieces in it. In a separate bowl, I beat together the sugar, cocoa, and butter together. I left out the ground walnuts, but wondered later if I should’ve added them in. I warmed up some milk and poured it on the crushed animal crackers, then added in my cocoa mix and stirred everything together. Taking a spoon, I spooned out a little bit of the candy and tried to form a ball. This is when I knew things weren’t going to be easy. Then I put a maraschino cherry on it, wrapping the rest of the cocoa mix around it. It was so loose that it was almost like a thick oatmeal but with finer particles. Definitely not rolling these. I expected them to turn out more like Brazilian brigadeiros. So, I’m wondering if there were some steps missing from my recipe. I ended up plopping it on some wax paper and dousing it in powdered sugar. They looked like a small dog pooped on a plate then covered it in snow. But as they sat there, they set up more, and they tasted pretty tasty!</span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0v9-6DxIR_4/WgEjQrMMcpI/AAAAAAAAB88/Fgj9sIwEESUSPeJDnI-1ZvUvnMSA6qiHwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0v9-6DxIR_4/WgEjQrMMcpI/AAAAAAAAB88/Fgj9sIwEESUSPeJDnI-1ZvUvnMSA6qiHwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5656.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was mighty tasty, if I may say so myself. And I just did. </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">I couldn’t help but wondering while I was whisking the egg whites together who thought this up first. I’m pretty sure it was probably some form of early punishment. “Oh, Roberto, you’ve made such a mess of things: what am I going to do with you? Sit here and whisk these egg whites nonstop until I think of something.” [10 minutes later] “Mom… Am I done yet?” “No, just keep stirring! I'm still thinking.” [3 years later] “Roberto, ok, you can get up now. What is that?” “I kept stirring like you asked. Am I really done this time?” “Yes. But give me that. I’ve got some ideas I want to try with this. But don’t go far – if this turns out well, I’m going to need you again.” And there you have it. True story.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Up next: Russia<span>&nbsp; </span></span></span></div>Beth Adamshttps://plus.google.com/104383010702337082747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266638623269234342.post-90699720419549877712017-11-04T22:59:00.001-04:002017-11-04T22:59:16.727-04:00ROMANIA: MUSIC AND DANCE <style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Book Antiqua"; panose-1:2 4 6 2 5 3 5 3 3 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --></style> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Romanian music is a mix of modern music of a variety of styles and folk music. And unlike other areas and countries where folk music kind of waned during the 20<sup>th</sup>century, Romanian folk music didn’t really lose footing and still has quite a following. Several folk musicians have even risen to international fame. Because of its location, Romanian folk music draws influences from both Russian and Western traditions.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/tzvqDZhK8Xs/maxresdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/tzvqDZhK8Xs/maxresdefault.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;"><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Styles of folk music vary among the different regions. However, there are a few things that bind them all. First of all, the use of the violin is prevalent as far as instrumentation goes. Woodwinds such as pipes/flutes and taragot (related to a clarinet and saxophone) are also commonly played with the violin as well as a variety of drums. In some areas, brass instruments like the trumpet are used. String instruments like guitar, double bass, and cobza (related to a lute) are also commonly played alone and in ensembles. One of my favorite instruments, the accordion, is also sometimes used, as is the bagpipes.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/eINOidSV8Mc/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eINOidSV8Mc?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">One of the most well known styles of folk music is the doina. There’s a corresponding dance that goes with it. Meaning “shepherd’s lament,” it has its roots in both Romanian music and Middle Eastern music. There are several variations to it. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/RUZnX9vv38c/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RUZnX9vv38c?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Folk dancing is also highly based on region. Many of the traditional folk music styles have dances that go along with them. Some of the dances commonly performed in Romania include the Arcan, Sârba, Hora, Calusari, Legényes, and Perinita. Bela Bartok was actually so enamored with Romanian folk dancing that he wrote his own Romanian Folk Dances. There’s actually a Romanian folk dance group out of Canton, Ohio, who performs many of these dances and promotes the culture. I didn’t know there was something like this just in the next state.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/a_IaLlhuIFE/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a_IaLlhuIFE?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">As far as popular music goes, I listened to several genres. They draw much of their influences by the rest of Europe and the US. When it comes to pop-techno and electronica, I listened to Tom Boxer (the album I listened to was almost like an homage to Brazil), Morandi (kind of ambient techno mixed with world beat and pop), Akcent (pop + autotune + quasi-trance), Edward Maya (pop-trance), Alexandra Stan (pop mixed with Latin influence), Inna (dance-pop + a little bit of hip-hop + Latin), and Yarabi (dance-pop). </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/LW298PwqrZs/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LW298PwqrZs?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">There are a few hip-hop groups I listened to. The first was R.A.C.L.A. and the second was Parazitii. Both had a decent flow and music that had a good beat. And both had enough diversity in their songs, so that each song sounds different from the next one. I also listened to B.U.G. Mafia. They tend to mix in strings and flutes (or something like it) into their music. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/UYyaIspEbu0/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UYyaIspEbu0?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">I also listened to several rock bands as well: Timpuri Noi (pop-rock), Celelalte Cuvinte (kind of indie rock), Transylvania Phoenix (older folk rock), Mondial (probably more pop than rock), Holograf (indie rock), Bosquito (indie rock), Voltaj (alternative rock), VH2 (softer mainstream rock), and La Familia (ska, punk). </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Up next: the food</span></span></div>Beth Adamshttps://plus.google.com/104383010702337082747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266638623269234342.post-9544683465062782072017-11-02T20:30:00.002-04:002017-11-02T20:31:28.879-04:00ROMANIA: ART AND LITERATURE<style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Book Antiqua"; panose-1:2 4 6 2 5 3 5 3 3 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} h1 {mso-style-link:"Heading 1 Char"; mso-style-next:Normal; margin-top:24.0pt; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan lines-together; page-break-after:avoid; mso-outline-level:1; font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:major-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:major-bidi; color:#345A8A; mso-font-kerning:0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight:bold;} span.Heading1Char {mso-style-name:"Heading 1 Char"; mso-style-locked:yes; mso-style-link:"Heading 1"; mso-ansi-font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:16.0pt; font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:major-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:major-bidi; color:#345A8A; font-weight:bold;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --></style> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">Art in Romania is generally divided into two categories: folk art/crafts and classical art. Around Easter time, Romanians decorate hollowed out eggs and paint them with intricate patterns. Red is a common color with other colors. Depending on the region, the patterns and designs have a secret meaning known only to the people of that region. Other places in Eastern Europe also take up this practice. Ceramics are also an art form, and each region is known for a particular style.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://romaniatourism.com/images/arts-architecture/beautiful_arts_crafts_romania_blouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://romaniatourism.com/images/arts-architecture/beautiful_arts_crafts_romania_blouse.jpg" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="678" height="161" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">Textile art is a form of functional art. It not only incorporates the dying of fabric, but it also includes other forms of weaving as well as embroidery. Romanian women use these techniques on a variety of items like tablecloths, pillow cases, wall coverings, and clothing. They also weave rugs with folk patterns that include nature scenes and designs. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://thecrystalwineglass.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/thecrystalwineglass_romanian-hand-blown-stained-glass-crystal-ornament-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://thecrystalwineglass.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/thecrystalwineglass_romanian-hand-blown-stained-glass-crystal-ornament-2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">Masks have links to old folk festivals and are often decorated with feathers, fabric, metallic pieces and beads, straw, and other materials. They’re mostly designed to look like animals. Although glass art has waned a bit, there’s been a growing interest in blown glass art again. (Blown glass art is awesome and should’ve never been left out in the cold like that.) Wood carving is also pretty common as well. Gates and doorways are still pretty common areas to find these elaborate carvings. The actual object is typically something functional, but many of the objects carved into it are of nature: stars, flowers, trees of life, or wolf teeth (the better to eat you, my dear).&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://graphics.stanford.edu/~mdfisher/bin/Reddit/pics/Wooden%20Spiral%20Staircase,%20Pele's%20Castle,%20Romania%20tumblr_m45h96iyHi1qb30dwo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://graphics.stanford.edu/~mdfisher/bin/Reddit/pics/Wooden%20Spiral%20Staircase,%20Pele's%20Castle,%20Romania%20tumblr_m45h96iyHi1qb30dwo1_500.jpg" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="320" width="213" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">One popular tourist spot is the Merry Cemetery of Sapanta. It’s known for its carved and brightly painted wooden crosses that mark the graves. They’re mainly blue. It’s actually become almost like an outdoor museum and now contains more than 800 of these wooden crosses. It was created by artist Stan Ioan Patras in 1935 when he carved the first epitaph. I’m not one for being buried or for crosses, but these are certainly cool to look at.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://travelguideromania.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/The-Merry-Cemetery-in-Maramures-Romania.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://travelguideromania.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/The-Merry-Cemetery-in-Maramures-Romania.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">Painting has long been a tradition in Romania, and many of their artists followed the trends from the rest of Europe. Of course, like a moody teenager, the subject matter changed throughout the years. Some painters who have been influential in Romania’s art history include Paul Paun (surrealism, modernism), Alexandra Nechita (cubism), Marcel Janco (art nouveau, dada, art deco, cubism, post-impressionism), Ion Theodorescu-Sion (post-impressionism, divisionism, art nouveau, fauvism), János Mattis-Teutsch (art nouveau, post-impressionism, abstract art), and many others. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">&nbsp;<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.artbrokerage.com/art/nechita/_images/nechita_98727_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="507" height="320" src="https://www.artbrokerage.com/art/nechita/_images/nechita_98727_3.jpg" width="202" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">by Alexandra Nechita</td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">Romanian literature is primarily written in the Romanian language. The earliest known copy of anything written in Romanian is a letter (known as Neacsu's Letter) written in 1521 (still reading your business almost 500 years later). The Eastern Orthodox Church is huge in Romania, and its influence spread pretty far in their culture and literature. Many of the first books written in Romanian are books published by the church. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/82/Neac%C5%9Fu's_letter.jpg/1200px-Neac%C5%9Fu's_letter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="616" data-original-width="800" height="246" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/82/Neac%C5%9Fu's_letter.jpg/1200px-Neac%C5%9Fu's_letter.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><h1 style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-weight: normal;">During the time Romania was under control by the Ottoman Empire, Greek culture was introduced into their culture as well. The Greeks were well known for their epic poetry, and the Romanians developed their love songs in the style of a few choice Greek poets. Comedy was also utilized as a theme in poetry. Along with poetry, </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-weight: normal;">Ien</span><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-weight: normal;">ă</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-weight: normal;">chi</span><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-weight: normal;">ț</span><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-weight: normal;">ă</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-weight: normal;"> V</span><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-weight: normal;">ă</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-weight: normal;">c</span><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-weight: normal;">ă</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-weight: normal;">rescu created the first grammar book for Romanian during the 18<sup>th</sup>century. </span></span></h1><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://extant.org.uk//images/made/c1c477b197fb7003/Heather_John_from_front_800_469_s_c1_c_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://extant.org.uk//images/made/c1c477b197fb7003/Heather_John_from_front_800_469_s_c1_c_c.jpg" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="800" height="187" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from Ionesco's "The Chairs"</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">As talk of independence arose, so did nationalism. Literary journals and literary circles began to form, and a push toward all kinds of genres and styles of written works began to be published. After WWI, Romanian writers really started developing the novel, entering them in the Golden Age. A few writers who gained notoriety during this time include Mihail Sadoveanu, Tristan Tzara, and George Bacovia. After WWII, the literary scene still grew, even during the Communist years to an extent. Marin Preda is one novelist who is often considered one of the more important writers after WWII. Poetry and theatre were two genres that still had quite a push. Eugène Ionesco is one of the more prominent playwrights known for his contributions to the Theatre of the Absurd. I think he’s probably most known for his play called “The Chairs.” </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">Up next: music and dance </span></span><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;"></span></div>Beth Adamshttps://plus.google.com/104383010702337082747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266638623269234342.post-23930096803797477982017-10-29T22:25:00.002-04:002017-10-29T22:25:44.306-04:00ROMANIA: THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE <style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Book Antiqua"; panose-1:2 4 6 2 5 3 5 3 3 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --></style> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">It’s some twist of fate perhaps that I land on Romania at Halloween time. The region of Transylvania, which is located in Romania, is the setting of Bram Stoker’s famous book, “Dracula.” The character is very loosely based on the actual person from history Vlad the Impaler. I actually have never seen any of the 40,000 Dracula movies, but I did read the book years ago, and it was an excellent read.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/5829e942dd0895586d8b45a7-480/bran-castle-guarded-in-the-past-the-border-between-wallachia-and-transylvania-it-is-also-known-for-the-myth-of-dracula-romania.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/5829e942dd0895586d8b45a7-480/bran-castle-guarded-in-the-past-the-border-between-wallachia-and-transylvania-it-is-also-known-for-the-myth-of-dracula-romania.jpg" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;"><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">The name Romania is based on the word <i>romanus</i>, referring to someone from Rome. But why Rome? Well, during the 16<sup>th</sup> century, travelers from Rome ventured into this area, and since Rome was a major city during this time, it stuck. The country actually went through several name changes, but it eventually landed on Romania. In English, you may find it spelled <i>Rumania</i> and <i>Roumania</i> in older texts; it didn’t become universally spelled with an <i>o</i> until the mid-1970s.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6GT0YD-mrZU/VrjaC4W_tPI/AAAAAAAAEoM/39cNKgt7du8/s640/romania%252Bin%252Beurope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6GT0YD-mrZU/VrjaC4W_tPI/AAAAAAAAEoM/39cNKgt7du8/s320/romania%252Bin%252Beurope.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Romania is actually quite a large country in eastern Europe. It’s bordered by Ukraine to the north, Moldova and the Black Sea to the east, Bulgaria to the south, Serbia to the southwest, and Hungary to the northwest. The country is widely mountainous, with the Carpathian Mountains running through the central part of the country. There are several rivers that wind their way through Romania including the famous Danube, which forms the southern border with Bulgaria. The climate can vary from a more moderate climate near the Black Sea to quite cold and snowy in the mountains. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://share.america.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/AP111001144984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="800" height="199" src="https://share.america.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/AP111001144984.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;"><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Dating back to 40,000 years ago, the oldest human remains in Europe were found at Pestera cu Oase. Romans started venturing into the area and introduced Latin to those who were already there. During the Middle Ages, there were three main regions here: Transylvania, Wallachia, and Moldavia. For a long time, Transylvania was a part of Hungary. However, much of the Balkans joined together in the fight against the Ottoman Empire. Although they did end up falling under Ottoman rule, these three regions of Romania maintained a certain amount of autonomy. However, by 1600 all three joined together and was ruled by the Wallachian prince Michael the Brave. (At least he has a name you can take home.) By the mid-1800s, they had created the precursor for their flag and began talks of independence. But given the instability of several different conflicts and wars throughout Europe, it was delayed somewhat. After Romania helped out Russia in the war against Turkey, they ended up creating the Kingdom of Romania and actually had a period of stability up until WWI. They tried to remain neutral during WWI, but halfway through, they saw the war encroaching upon them, a cease fire was signed. Romania was hit hard during WWII, with a large number of Jews and Roma (gypsies) included in the Holocaust. After the war, the Communist party cheated the election and “won,” leaving the country under communist rule until 1989. Many changes took place during the 1990s and 2000s as the government tried to stabilize its finances and economy as well as put policy into place for a democratic government. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blog.parkinn.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2016/01/BP2-BUHPD-Creative-Labs-Shutterstock-Bucharest-is-an-up-and-coming-city-filled-to-the-brim-with-exciting-sights-and-activities.-Check-out-our-top-5-list1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="800" height="212" src="https://blog.parkinn.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2016/01/BP2-BUHPD-Creative-Labs-Shutterstock-Bucharest-is-an-up-and-coming-city-filled-to-the-brim-with-exciting-sights-and-activities.-Check-out-our-top-5-list1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;"><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">The capital city is Bucharest, which I used to often confuse with Budapest. Bucharest is located along the Dâmbovita River in the southern part of the country. The city became the capital in 1862 and known for its architecture, nicknamed “Little Paris” by some. As the center for government, finance, education, and the arts, it’s no wonder the metro area around Bucharest has about 2.2 million people (give or take a few). Bucharest has a lower crime rate than most European capital cities, especially for violent crime, but petty crime (mainly pickpocketing) is still pretty common, as in most places. However, it has a pretty high quality of life overall.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C-MeqMDXcAAnlwt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C-MeqMDXcAAnlwt.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I would totally want to do this!</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Romania has an upper-middle income economy, based on data from the World Bank. After trying to rebuild itself during the 1990s, it finally developed enough of an industrial base to help pull themselves the other way. And even though they began to show some stability, they couldn’t escape the 2008 economic crisis (although they’ve made significant strides since then). Romania is part of the EU and has relatively low unemployment compared to other EU countries. It has long been on the forefront of science and technology as an economic driver, and tourism is an important factor as well. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cs.usfca.edu/~cruse/RomaniaMinicourse/RoInteriors/Orthodox-Cathedral-Sibiu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cs.usfca.edu/~cruse/RomaniaMinicourse/RoInteriors/Orthodox-Cathedral-Sibiu.jpg" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Romanian Orthodox Christian Cathedral in Sibiu, Romania</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">There is no official religion in Romania, although an overwhelming majority of the population practices (or say they adhere to) some form of Christianity. There is a small number of people who practice other religions and an even smaller number of non-religious or atheists. (At least there are some around somewhere.)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01593/antal_1593160c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01593/antal_1593160c.jpg" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="460" height="200" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apparently this warns drivers of drunk pedestrians. Lovely.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">The Romanian language is the official language in Romania (makes sense). It’s part of the Romance family of languages, along with French, Portuguese, Italian, and Spanish. Hungarian and Vlax Romani are also spoken by a significant number of people. There are also a ton of recognized minority languages in Romania. English and French tend to be the most popular foreign languages learned in schools (I’m still trying to learn those two myself). </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.romania-insider.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/stefan-odobleja-engleza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.romania-insider.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/stefan-odobleja-engleza.jpg" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="700" height="226" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Romanian scientists and inventors have contributed much to the world. Some of the inventions and endeavors attributed to Romanians include the first automatic steam espresso machine, modern jet engine, the discovery of insulin, fountain pen, the first self-propelled flying “automobile airplane,” the beginning foundations of cybernetics, among with tons of other inventions. It must be nice to be in a country that embraces science rather than denies its existence. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Up next: art and literature </span></span></div>Beth Adamshttps://plus.google.com/104383010702337082747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266638623269234342.post-20654316682430263112017-10-22T22:11:00.000-04:002017-10-22T22:11:14.133-04:00QATAR: THE FOOD <style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Book Antiqua"; panose-1:2 4 6 2 5 3 5 3 3 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --></style> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">I typically cook on Sunday, simply because I get paid on Friday and buy my ingredients on Saturday. I usually bypass anything on my cooking Sundays, but this was one of those weekends where I actually had something scheduled on Sunday (I couldn’t miss my grandmother’s 95<sup>th</sup> birthday!). So, I ended up moving things around and cooking on Saturday, which totally threw me off of what day it was. </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cc5ZsMDr1C8/We1OscQ4H4I/AAAAAAAAB8I/vmydJAC9TH4kfRvgTWdmem4PVOR0Mt9XQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cc5ZsMDr1C8/We1OscQ4H4I/AAAAAAAAB8I/vmydJAC9TH4kfRvgTWdmem4PVOR0Mt9XQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5598.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So versatile, I'm keeping this recipe as my go-to pita recipe.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">As usual, I started with the bread: Markouk Bread. This bread is like a pita bread, something I haven’t made yet. I proofed my yeast by mixing a yeast packet and a tablespoon of sugar in ¼ c of warm water and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then in a larger bowl, I mixed 3 ½ c of flour. I swear I had enough all-purpose flour, but I only had enough for about 2 cups, and that was topped off with the last bit of spelt flour. So I substituted 1 ½ c of whole wheat flour for the remaining portion along with ½ tsp of salt. Making a well in the center, I poured in 1 c of warm water and the yeast mixture and stirred until it came together as a dough. I dumped it out on my pastry mat and kneaded it a little more, using a little more flour to stop it from being so sticky. Then I poured in just a little bit of vegetable oil and coated the bowl, putting my dough ball inside and rolling it to coat it just a little. Luckily I still had a piece of cheesecloth left over, so I dampened it and placed it over the dough and let it rest for 2 hours. After it rested, I punched down the bread and pulled apart enough dough about the size of a billiards ball and flattened it out with my hand. Then I cooked these in a skillet with a little oil in it, turning when it browns. It puffed up, some more than others. I thought these were great; and actually, I kind of liked it the way I made it with the two different (technically, three) flours. I want to open it and stuff it with something later, but the ones for today were to go with the next dish. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TyjCQlcF-lw/We1OxjFW03I/AAAAAAAAB8M/LpJ8jXQiAZAzYaZD_kxaWalHCSof2dt4wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TyjCQlcF-lw/We1OxjFW03I/AAAAAAAAB8M/LpJ8jXQiAZAzYaZD_kxaWalHCSof2dt4wCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5600.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who doesn't like chicken stew? Apparently my family. </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Which brings me to Chicken Threed, the main dish of the day. In seemingly typical Middle Eastern fashion, this meal has a ton of ingredients although I left out a couple. I cut up about 2 lbs of chicken breasts into smaller pieces and boiled it for about 15-20 minutes. In a larger pot, I sautéed my onions in the bottom of the pot, then I added in some minced garlic, ground ginger, tomato paste, diced potatoes, diced eggplant, diced tomatoes, green chilies, sliced limes (in lieu of dried lime), and stirred. I did leave out the baby marrows because I forgot to Google what this even is. After a few minutes, I threw in my chicken pieces, some of the chicken stock from boiling it earlier, a couple of bouillon cubes (I have to use the fake stuff because of the MSG in the others), bell pepper, cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, curry powder, garlic powder, ground coriander, cardamom, crushed red pepper, and a little garam masala for good measure even though it wasn’t listed (I thought I still had some Baharat mix in the back of my cabinet but didn’t feel like digging it out). After letting it simmer for 10 minutes, I added in a handful of cilantro leaves and let it simmer for 10 more minutes. The potatoes should be soft at this point. To serve this, I laid out a piece of the Markouk bread and poured this on top of it. I really liked this, but no one else seemed to like it. I’m not even sure why. My husband said it tasted too “flowery” to him – probably the cinnamon and cardamom, but I wasn’t telling him that’s what it was. He’s so weird sometimes. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ccSh4-eL8Xw/We1O6LN42xI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/YqVhGFyBh_QE5aWgKMo2aHRG8PbFe-U9wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ccSh4-eL8Xw/We1O6LN42xI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/YqVhGFyBh_QE5aWgKMo2aHRG8PbFe-U9wCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5601.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As a first-time try, this was A+.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Qatari Tabbouleh was my side dish I picked out. I wanted a cold side dish as a contrast, so I thought this would be great. And I don’t think I’ve ever even eaten it, much less made it. It was pretty easy. I bought red bulgur wheat and soaked ½ c of it in water (covering it completely) for 15 minutes. Then I mixed in lemon juice, minced garlic, and some salt and pepper and stirred, letting it rest for about a half hour. I added in some chopped parsley and mint, scallions, and diced tomatoes, and a tad bit of olive oil into it. I threw in a little more lemon juice and a little bit of garlic powder into it as well, and let it chill. I liked this, even though the mint was very noticeable. I thought it had a good flavor, but again, I think I was the only one with that opinion.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-92zVItiG-OA/We1O_55Qq8I/AAAAAAAAB8U/BPfEkdZis9AANf18tuwRfLUq6HlfqriTwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-92zVItiG-OA/We1O_55Qq8I/AAAAAAAAB8U/BPfEkdZis9AANf18tuwRfLUq6HlfqriTwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5599.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a keeper. My husband thinks it needs gin. I would agree. </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">I haven’t done a drink for a while, so I thought I’d give a go at a Lemon-lime mint drink. I squeezed 4 lemons and 3 limes into a pitcher, sifting out the seeds when I was done. Instead of making my own simple syrup, I just used some I bought at the store. I added in 1/3 c of simple syrup to my juices along with some chopped mint leaves. Then I poured the whole thing into my blender plus a bottle of water. I blended it until the mint leaves were about as small as they were going to get and it was a little frothy on top. Pouring this back into my pitcher, I added another 3 ½ bottles of water and stirred. It was still a little too sour for my taste, so I added in ½ c of baker’s sugar to it. My husband thought I should’ve added another ½ c, but I liked it the way it was. This one, however, was something everyone enjoyed. I thought it was quite refreshing. </span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lhIfzuXP7Xk/We1PFKBBzuI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/g6nxh_6mXn4YDWt_7a6qbmaDT_EY5senwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lhIfzuXP7Xk/We1PFKBBzuI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/g6nxh_6mXn4YDWt_7a6qbmaDT_EY5senwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5602.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I thought this was fantastic. And my opinion counts as 4 opinions. Because I'm the mom.&nbsp; </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">I’ve finally accepted the fact that there will be some meals not everyone enjoys (there will be no meal quite like the wine venison, though; that one lives in infamy). And even though I enjoyed it, I was in the minority on this one. And that’s ok. I guess. I realize that my tastes typically have a wider range than most people’s tastes are. I have such a wide palate that there’s not a restaurant out there I can’t find something good to eat at – I enjoy upscale cuisine and pub fare all the same. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Up next: Romania</span></span></div>Beth Adamshttps://plus.google.com/104383010702337082747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266638623269234342.post-57563464621811193122017-10-21T12:00:00.003-04:002017-10-21T12:06:36.088-04:00QATAR: MUSIC AND DANCE<style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Book Antiqua"; panose-1:2 4 6 2 5 3 5 3 3 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --></style> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">One of the most common types of folk music in Qatar is that of sea shanties. And in particular, work songs that were created for the pearl divers. These songs were sung only by men which encouraged everyone to keep in a routine while working and to give them something to focus on during the long, tedious days. They would have different songs for the different activities they were doing, each activity with a different rhythm. Group singing was an important part of the job, and each boat had its designated lead singer. In a way, I suppose the lead singer is the one responsible for production?</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.qatarisbooming.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Traditional-Qatari-musical-show-1-qatarisbooming.com-640x480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.qatarisbooming.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Traditional-Qatari-musical-show-1-qatarisbooming.com-640x480.jpg" data-original-height="362" data-original-width="640" height="181" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">&nbsp;</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">Women also had their music as well. Most of their traditional songs were also work songs, except theirs were about gathering crops and cooking. Of course, they also developed songs for when the pearl divers came to shore as well. Whenever a ship would come in, they would gather and break into song. (That happens at my work sometimes, too. But it’s usually met with mixed reaction.) </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/sFG4LbTWaFY/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sFG4LbTWaFY?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">Many of the instruments used in Qatari music are similar to that of nearby countries. Instruments generally fall into three categories: strings (oud, rebaba), percussion (cymbals, tambourines, tabl, tus/tasat, galahs, and a variety of drums including the al-ras), and wind instruments (ney, other types of flutes)</span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/qc8gFS903d8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qc8gFS903d8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">The Qataris have several dances that accompany their music. One dance that is still danced in Qatar is the ardah. This is a men-only dance, where two lines of men face each other. Sometimes a few dancers may don swords, because you know, swords are cool. The actual music behind this is generally just percussion and spoken poetry. The ardah is actually performed across the Persian Gulf states, and there are two types: land ardahs and sea ardahs. But the Qatari ardah is somewhat of a mix of the two styles. Women only have two dances that are performed a couple times per year. The al-moradah dance is generally before Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Dancers find a place off the beaten path and wear their best embroidered clothes. All women, despite where they fall in social class, gather to dance this dance. Although it’s somewhat fell in popularity since the 1950s, it’s sometimes performed at weddings. The other dance, al-ashori, is almost solely performed at weddings.&nbsp; The lyrics are typically based on nabati poetry and are accompanied by the tabl drum.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/CaRFKGujJI8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CaRFKGujJI8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">There weren’t too many examples of modern music from Qatar. Popular music is still pretty censored and restricted, I gathered. However, there was one musician, Naser Mestarihi, who has ties to Qatar. This Jordanian-Pakistani musician was born in Qatar and has worked with both a metal band called Asgard Legionnaires along with producing his own rock album. To me, it was definitely a hard rock album, with a few elements of 80s hair bands like Whitesnake, Cinderella, or Def Leppard. Not only do they do hard rock, but they also show a softer, more melodic side to them as well. I actually really liked the music, and they sing in English, so that’s a plus for me as an English speaker. It’s the type you can rock out to in your car with the windows down.&nbsp; </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/p5HwRrU4pZc/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p5HwRrU4pZc?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">There is also a small but growing rock band following in the Doha area. Although there aren’t as many bands that are widely known outside of the area, there are several smaller local and amateur bands that entertain locals and expats alike. And for the most part, these bands are made of ex-pats and foreigners living in Qatar. One of the problems is that there aren’t that many places to play a gig, but that’ll chance, I hope. Most of these bands end up doing covers of familiar songs because that’s what tourists know. I found a few bands on YouTube like Yema, The Exiles, Cronkite Satellite, and Sector 9 (a Lebanese band based in Qatar). </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">Up next: the food</span></span></div>Beth Adamshttps://plus.google.com/104383010702337082747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266638623269234342.post-29207031298719834112017-10-18T21:25:00.000-04:002017-10-18T21:25:18.601-04:00QATAR: ART AND LITERATURE <style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Book Antiqua"; panose-1:2 4 6 2 5 3 5 3 3 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --></style> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Prehistoric rock carvings and rock art have been found in several places around Qatar. Some of these drawing depict humans, animals (like turtles, ostriches, and fish), and boats while others were merely geometric and tribal designs.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.qm.org.qa/sites/default/files/styles/content_image/public/images/body/jassasiya4_edited.jpg?itok=FWkVl7qn" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.qm.org.qa/sites/default/files/styles/content_image/public/images/body/jassasiya4_edited.jpg?itok=FWkVl7qn" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="662" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">&nbsp;</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">There are a ton of other folk art styles. Weaving and dying fabric is common, especially in a Bedouin fashion. Typically sheep or camel wool is used while the dyes were made from herbs and other natural resources. Embroidery was also a common ornamental feature in clothing. Gold threads imported from India were frequently used. There were several different kinds of stitches used as well as designs like flowers and birds. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;"> </span></span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;"></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.ashemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Exquisite-Abaya-Designs-2014-in-Qatar-701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://www.ashemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Exquisite-Abaya-Designs-2014-in-Qatar-701.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">A certain amount of art and aesthetics went into their historical architecture as well. Although simply made, geometric shapes and symmetry were important decorative features in homes. Elaborately designed doors are frequently created from wood or metal. Much of their architectural design was created with the heat in mind, and windows were seldom used. Instead, they used other ways of ventilation. However, there were vertical windows that were designed to pull in wind and naturally cool the inside of the building. Colored glass is sometimes used as a decorative feature. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/z/traditional-architecture-doha-qatar-element-building-projecting-shandal-beams-islamic-style-windows-86691314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="800" height="235" src="https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/z/traditional-architecture-doha-qatar-element-building-projecting-shandal-beams-islamic-style-windows-86691314.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Although calligraphy has long been an art form, painting didn’t really gain popularity until after the oil boom struck. Common themes include Arabic and Islamic culture. In order to cultivate more artists, the government offered scholarships to young artists to study abroad, bringing back what they learned to share through exhibitions. Art museums and galleries were then built to preserve and promote Qatari art. Jassim Zaini is often considered the founder of the modern art movement; other artists of note include Faraj Daham, Wafika Sultan Al-Essa, Yousef Ahmad, Salman Al-Malik, and Hassan Al Mulla. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.fundacionbancosantander.com/visita_virtual/qatar_museums/media/obras/alta/imagenes_de_catar_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="800" height="198" src="https://www.fundacionbancosantander.com/visita_virtual/qatar_museums/media/obras/alta/imagenes_de_catar_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Historically, poetry has been an important part of literature and has been practiced for many centuries. During the 7th century, Qatari ibn al-Fuja’a was well known for his poetry and often considered a folk hero of sorts. Most poetry during was oral and performed during social events. The most common type of poem is the Nabati poem and passed down from generation to generation. Today, they’re still being read on radio and television. Women were also poets as well, but they mostly wrote laments called ritha, which served as elegies.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.memri.org/sites/default/files/image/26902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="201" data-original-width="194" src="https://www.memri.org/sites/default/files/image/26902.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kaltham Jaber</td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Modern literature, written in Arabic, didn’t really begin until the 1970s when they gained their independence from Britain. And this is one art form where females have been included pretty much equal to men from the beginning. What is amazing is that the first person to publish a book was a woman: Kaltham Jaber first published her anthology of short stories in 1978. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Up next: music and dance</span></span></div>Beth Adamshttps://plus.google.com/104383010702337082747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266638623269234342.post-48176332956529236782017-10-15T21:48:00.002-04:002017-10-15T21:48:51.424-04:00QATAR: THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE <style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Book Antiqua"; panose-1:2 4 6 2 5 3 5 3 3 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --></style> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">It’s a weird word how we spell it in English. It violates that one rule about a <i>q</i> always being followed by a <i>u</i>. And how do you pronounce it? I’ve heard it pronounced as “cutter” for years and even pronounced it that way for a long time. However, I did a little research earlier and found a clip from NPR’s “All Things Considered” about the pronunciation of Qatar and came to the conclusion that it’s most likely pronounced as “kuh-TAR,” rhyming with “guitar.”&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.visitqatar.qa/binaries/content/gallery/qatartourism/videoblocks/new-fort-al-zubarah1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="800" height="179" src="https://www.visitqatar.qa/binaries/content/gallery/qatartourism/videoblocks/new-fort-al-zubarah1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Roman writers were well aware of this peninsula, and Pliny the Elder is credited as the first European to give it the name Catharrei, possibly named after some town. However, Ptolomy was the first to draw a map of the area and label it as Catara. During the 18<sup>th</sup> century, it was labeled as Katara, and today it was changed to reflect a modern Arabic spelling. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://d2z7bzwflv7old.cloudfront.net/cdn_image/exW_1200/images/maps/en/qa/qa-area.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://d2z7bzwflv7old.cloudfront.net/cdn_image/exW_1200/images/maps/en/qa/qa-area.gif" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="800" height="246" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">The country of Qatar is a peninsula that juts out into the Persian Gulf in the Middle East. It borders one country by land (Saudi Arabia), two countries by water (Bahrain and United Arab Emirates), and is directly across from the country of Iran. The vast majority of the country consists of low plains and deserts. Summers are very hot and dry while the winters are very mild and slightly wetter, although it’s really not by much. On average, the country gets less than 3” of rain each year.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://static.timesofisrael.com/www/uploads/2013/04/Obama-US-Qatar_Horo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="800" height="236" src="https://static.timesofisrael.com/www/uploads/2013/04/Obama-US-Qatar_Horo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">People have lived on the peninsula since the Stone Age. The Sasanian Empire moved into the area and Qatar contributed to their economy and trade with their pearl cultivation and creation of purple dye. Christianity was introduced about 400 years before Muhammad sent in his scouts to force them to practice Islam instead. This area was also an important breeding ground for camels and horses. And because of its location along the gulf, Qatari cities have long been an important stop in the trade routes. During the mid-1700s, clans from Kuwait started moving into the area. In turn, Qatari forces took over Bahrain. In retaliation to this, the Egyptians and Ottomans teamed up and hit them from the west side while the Omanis hit from the east. In 1821, a ship with the East India Company attacked the city of Doha because it was tired of their piracy. (Who wouldn’t be?) A few years later in 1825, the House of Thani was established as the ruling house, and they’re still in power today. And like most places, Qatar eventually did submit to Ottoman rule. However, initial support waned, and they stopped paying taxes. When the Ottomans stopped by in a “Where my money at?” moment, things went downhill from there, and battle ensued (more or less). In the end the Qataris gained the status of being an autonomous state. Reeling from losses from WWI, the Ottoman Empire relinquished its holdings to the British. Oil was discovered in 1939 but wasn’t explored until the 1950s. It was also part of the Trucial States, although Bahrain broke off, then Qatar, and what would be the UAE. During the Gulf War, Qatar allowed Canada to hole up there as well as the US and France. They also allowed the US to base its operations there after the invasion of Iraq in 2003. In June of this year, several of its neighbors and Egypt cut off ties with Qatar because of its alleged support of extremist groups. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.timeoutdubai.com/images/content/73097/2016_2_doha_base.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.timeoutdubai.com/images/content/73097/2016_2_doha_base.jpg" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="730" height="192" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">The capital of Qatar is Doha and is also one of its chief ports. It literally means “the big tree.” Although it was established in 1825, it wasn’t officially declared the capital until 1971 when they finally gave the boot to the British. The city played an important part along the trade routes and in the pearling industry. Today, Doha has hosted several pan-Arab and pan-Asian sporting events, international conferences, and will host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Doha is the center of government, commerce, culture, and higher education. Al Jazeera Media Network, the second largest media company in the world (second to the BBC), is based on Doha. There are a number of art museums, theatres, and even a film festival based here.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thatcreativefeeling.com/wp-content/uploads/Qatar-pearl-diving-650_416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.thatcreativefeeling.com/wp-content/uploads/Qatar-pearl-diving-650_416.jpg" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="650" height="204" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">For a long time, fishing and pearling were the main economic drivers for Qatar until the Japanese came up with cultured pearls during the 1920s, which rained on the Qatari’s parade. However, oil was discovered in the gulf, and although it took a while to fully assess the area for extraction, it changed everything. Qatar is the leading exporter of liquefied natural gas. There’s no income tax and unemployment is super low (like 0.1%). Although they have a high-income economy, they rely quite a bit on foreign workers to get there. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/48/00/b1/4800b165a8944c00dd566bebcedbc354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="475" height="320" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/48/00/b1/4800b165a8944c00dd566bebcedbc354.jpg" width="237" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Like much of the region, Islam is the majority religion of Qatar. The majority of the people practice Salafi Islam (part of Wahhabism). There are also sizable followers of both Christianity (mostly Catholic) and Hinduism and a smaller group of Buddhists. The minor religions in Qatar are pretty much only practiced by foreigners. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fredbellomy.com/middleeast/imagesq-z/qatar.76.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.fredbellomy.com/middleeast/imagesq-z/qatar.76.jpg" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="640" height="215" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Arabic is the official language here, but locals speak a Qatari Arabic dialect. They even have their own Qatari sign language as well. English is the most studied/most spoken second language, and in many cases (commerce, for example), it’s used as a lingua franca. Because of its international make up of foreign workers, there are many other languages and cultures (mostly Asian) represented in Qatar. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ak3.picdn.net/shutterstock/videos/5367773/thumb/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ak3.picdn.net/shutterstock/videos/5367773/thumb/1.jpg" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="800" height="181" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">This area is so hot in the summers that it’s nearly unbearable. As a half-Scottish and half-German woman, I would practically burst into flames if I were to go during summer. Architects have come up with some solutions for creating more shadow areas as well as advanced ventilation and cooling systems. They’re even looking into using more reflective materials on the buildings themselves. Scientists predict that if climate change stays its course, Doha and other areas of Qatar will become inhabitable by the 2070s. That’s roughly 50 years from now. I will be 88 years old. It’s entirely possible I will watch this country disappear. And that scares me. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Up next: art and literature</span></span></div>Beth Adamshttps://plus.google.com/104383010702337082747noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266638623269234342.post-16869115268827328502017-10-08T20:44:00.002-04:002017-10-08T20:44:47.835-04:00PORTUGAL: THE FOOD <style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Book Antiqua"; panose-1:2 4 6 2 5 3 5 3 3 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --></style> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">I can already tell you this meal is making me work outside of my comfort zone. I started picking things that sounded good, but not realizing what I was getting into. Definitely not the first time that’s happened. But it usually takes the form of buying “fancy” alcoholic drinks at restaurants, the kind where you get to keep the glass, but didn’t realize each drink was $10 apiece until you got the bill.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cSuD2AXZWT4/WdrDwbOPm_I/AAAAAAAAB7g/i-0malvg9gI8ULPtraLUan9phiKo4RpNwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cSuD2AXZWT4/WdrDwbOPm_I/AAAAAAAAB7g/i-0malvg9gI8ULPtraLUan9phiKo4RpNwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5538.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This might be really good with ice cream. I'll have to test this. </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">So the first thing I started with is the Portuguese Sweet Bread. In a saucepan, I heated up ½ c milk, ¼ c of butter, 1/3 c sugar and 1 ¼ tsp salt just enough until the butter melted; then I took it off the heat. In a large bowl, I mixed together 3 ¼ c of all-purpose flour, 1 packet of yeast, and the zest of 1 lemon. Then I poured my milk mixture into the flour mixture and stirred everything together. I added in 2 eggs plus the yolk of another egg (keeping the egg white for later) along with 2 tsps of vanilla extract (ok, I used 2 ½ tsp because I love vanilla). I stirred and kneaded the dough until it became a smooth bread dough. I lightly oiled the bottom of a bowl and put my dough ball in it, covered it, and let it rest for about an hour and a half. After punching it down, I transferred it to a lightly greased 9” round cake pan and covered it loosely in plastic wrap that I rubbed with a little bit of oil (to keep from sticking to the dough). I let it sit for another hour. Toward the end of this time, I take my egg white that I reserved and mixed it with 1 Tbsp of water and brushed the top of the bread. I baked it for 15 minutes and then lightly covered it with aluminum foil. Then I put it back in the oven for another 25 minutes until it looked golden brown on top. This was really good. You can definitely smell the lemon zest in there. It kind of reminded me of lemon cake, but I wouldn’t put any icing or frosting on top—it was sweet enough. The kids absolutely loved this. </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XF-I0ANbQ7w/WdrEAGtSqyI/AAAAAAAAB7k/PwxfUAVSqm4oRxlJoa0Pg3LlNhvy75olwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XF-I0ANbQ7w/WdrEAGtSqyI/AAAAAAAAB7k/PwxfUAVSqm4oRxlJoa0Pg3LlNhvy75olwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5539.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This turned out way better than I thought. And I thought they were pretty good. Not as "fishy" as I thought they'd be. </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">So now, it’s the dish that makes me nervous: Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato, or clams with lemon and garlic. I bought clams still in their shells, something I’ve never done. It just seems like one of those dishes that’s really easy to get food poisoning from if you screw this up. Anyway, I found them at Kroger for $2.99/lb and bought 3 lbs (I got 8 clams, so each of us could have two). I have never done this before, and I really didn’t know what I was getting into. Then the lady added a bunch of ice on top of them and said, “This is so they don’t die of dehydration. They’re still alive, you know.” Um, no I didn’t fully put that all together in my head yet. But now I know. Of course, then the kids wanted to “babysit” the clams on the ride home, talking to them, and being generally creepy (“Hi, clams. We’re gonna eat you tomorrow. Enjoy your last night with your friends in our fridge.”). Anyway, I digress. When I was ready, I soaked the clams in a large bowl for about 2 hours in salted water before cooking them. I did rinse them off first. In a skillet, I heated some olive oil and sautéed some minced garlic for a few minutes. Then I added in my clams and covered the skillet, shaking the skillet every now and then until the clams open up. I imagine that’s them screaming from being cooked alive. It took about 10 minutes or so. Once the clams have all opened up, I turned off the heat and seasoned it with pepper, lemon juice (from the lemon I used the zest for), and chopped cilantro. I actually really liked this and was amazed they turned out really good. I’m still checking myself for signs of food poisoning, but as I write this, so far so good. I did have to tell my daughter not to eat the part of the foot that attaches the meat to the shell. She says, “Oh. Well, it was still good.” </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CummyLBzBNw/WdrEJGIyWZI/AAAAAAAAB7o/JSo5ddZLpu0XxF91fP7YjzdUu1M_pkBsQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CummyLBzBNw/WdrEJGIyWZI/AAAAAAAAB7o/JSo5ddZLpu0XxF91fP7YjzdUu1M_pkBsQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5540.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I liked this dish, but next time, not with the olives. I just learned that olives and fish are not one of my favorite food combinations.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">This was one of those weird days where I made two main dishes. The other one I made today is Portuguese Traditional Cod. I washed some small potatoes (they were literally the smallest potatoes I have ever found) and boiled them for about 20 minutes. No need to peel them. When they were done, I drained my water and set them to the side. I took my cod filets and cut them into large pieces (I roughly cut each filet into 3”x3” squares). In my skillet, I heated my olive oil and sautéed some diced onions, sliced red bell pepper, and some minced garlic for a few minutes, until the onion looked translucent. Then I added my cod and seasoned it with pepper and paprika and cooked it on both sides for 10 minutes. After the cod is cooked through and flaky, I added the potatoes into the skillet as well and cooked for 3-4 more minutes. Then I took it off the heat and garnished with chopped cilantro and sliced black olives. I actually liked this pretty well, although it probably needed a tad bit more salt. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SXQVjifzCQw/WdrEcz8H5-I/AAAAAAAAB7s/B7QcJlvCw0YFCvXAW2__nBB9hg6a33AdQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SXQVjifzCQw/WdrEcz8H5-I/AAAAAAAAB7s/B7QcJlvCw0YFCvXAW2__nBB9hg6a33AdQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5541.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best veggies are fried. It's thought that the Portuguese introduced tempura to the Japanese when they were exploring Asia. </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Finally, to go with this, I made Peixinhos da Horta, or fried green beans. I bought some fresh green beans and snapped the ends off of them. In a saucepan filled with salted water, I boiled my green beans for 10-15 minutes. When they were done, I drained the water. In a small bowl, I mixed about ¾ c flour, 3 eggs, pepper, parsley, and a little salt and whisked with a fork until it’s a creamy consistency. I had to add in a little water because it was too thick. When my oil was heated in my skillet, I dipped my green beans in the batter and fried them until the sides are golden brown. Then I placed them on a plate with a paper towel. I liked these, but the kids weren’t really fans of them. Maybe if I had a sauce or something to go with them, they might’ve liked them better.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SKBX-yzlnXQ/WdrEk4dV2XI/AAAAAAAAB7w/kbzD05Jjyv46REvT2bkDQrIe_bk5V7GrgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SKBX-yzlnXQ/WdrEk4dV2XI/AAAAAAAAB7w/kbzD05Jjyv46REvT2bkDQrIe_bk5V7GrgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5537.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Definitely a half-glass, after-dinner, sipping kind of wine.&nbsp; </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">I also bought a bottle of Madeira wine and a bottle of Port wine. However, both bottles of what I bought are American versions of its Portuguese counterpart. Madeira wine is from the Madeira Islands, which are off the coast of Africa while Port wine is exclusively made in the Douro Valley in northern Portugal. I definitely like the Port more than the Madeira because it’s a little sweeter. I do like dry wines, but these are fortified wines that have brandy added to them, and I’m not so much of a fan of brandy. Brandy tastes musty to me; it’s the same reason I don’t like raisins. (I’ve always said raisins and prunes are the farts of the fruit world.) But the upside is that both of these come in at 18% alcohol by volume, and I’ll be damned if I waste some high-alcohol wine. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EaxNbaARkK0/WdrEpxSEIaI/AAAAAAAAB70/OepNK5Wfp6A90VNp-9vWrT-vg9mGCv3hwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EaxNbaARkK0/WdrEpxSEIaI/AAAAAAAAB70/OepNK5Wfp6A90VNp-9vWrT-vg9mGCv3hwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5542.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overall, I'd give his a thumbs up. Now to get over there for real. </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Up next: Qatar</span></span></div>Beth Adamshttps://plus.google.com/104383010702337082747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266638623269234342.post-65450540717716509892017-10-08T01:05:00.000-04:002017-10-08T01:05:35.753-04:00PORTUGAL: MUSIC AND DANCE <style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Book Antiqua"; panose-1:2 4 6 2 5 3 5 3 3 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --></style> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Portugal’s music history has been influenced by several different European traditions. One style of folk music that is widely associated with Portuguese music is fado. Fado, which means <i>fate</i> in Portuguese, often has lyrics that aren’t for the weak. It is typically centered around loneliness, sadness, poverty, and other similar themes. Fado was developed from the urban poor of Lisbon and usually accompanied by the acoustic Portuguese guitar. There are a few offshoot and variations of fado, but it is all an expression of how tough life is. Amália Rodrigues is a fado singer, often called the Queen of Fado.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.portugal-live.net/images/stories/rotators/facts/culture/music/01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.portugal-live.net/images/stories/rotators/facts/culture/music/01.jpg" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="537" height="185" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">&nbsp;</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">The Azores and the Madeiras have their own variations and musical traditions as well. There are a variety of plucked string instruments they utilize, such as the cavaquinho, the machete (no, not the big knife), and rajao. Bagpipes are also used in Portuguese music as well.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/mCffvNpTW5I/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mCffvNpTW5I?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">The Azores are also known for their dance called a chamarrita. This dance is performed in ¾ time and primarily accompanied by a fiddle. (There’s actually a dance in the southern Brazil-Uruguay-northern Argentina area of the same name, but it’s not quite known whether the two dances are related or not.) The Madeira Islands also have a dance called the Bailinho de Madeira (as shown above). There are several dances that are well known in mainland Portugal: Fandango (although Spanish in origin, it’s one of the national dances here, and especially from Ribatejo), Corridinho (especially of Algarve and Estremadura regions), Bailarico (starts out as a circle dance and ends in a waltz), and the Schottische (also called <i>xote</i>in Portugal, a type of circle dance where pairs of partners never change). </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/WiFAvxcQmAo/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WiFAvxcQmAo?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/L8ERBEdfOQs/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/L8ERBEdfOQs?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Portuguese musicians span the gamut when it comes to what genres they typically work in. I’ll run this by genres just because there are quite a few bands I briefly sampled, many of them I liked. And many of these bands sing in English as well as Portuguese. I’ll just go ahead and start with rock: Xutos &amp; Pontapés, The Gift, Blasted Mechanism (kind of an electronic rock), Wraygunn (like a blues-rock), Moonspell (metal), Quinta do Bill, More than a Thousand (metal), Decreto 77 (punk), Dream Circus (indie rock), Nelly Furtado (she’s Canadian but parents were from the Azores), and Linda Martini. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/R0ghFYEVtJk/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/R0ghFYEVtJk?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/5iIp5T6HoB4/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5iIp5T6HoB4?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">There were a few hip-hop artists I listened to: Da Weasel, Boss AC, Sam the Kid, Buraka Som Sistema (more dance and electronica and kuduru – I originally included them in my Angola playlist), and Valete.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/qrtuNzdHvFU/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qrtuNzdHvFU?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">I did find a couple of electronica artists: Noisia and Paranormal Attack. I think I liked Paranormal Attack more because Noisia’s music seemed a little too experimental to me, almost disjointed. And I also listened to a reggae artist from Portugal, Richie Campbell. I suppose I’m related to him somewhere way back there (my maiden name is Campbell). I’m a fan of reggae music, and I liked what I heard here.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Up next: the food </span></span></div>Beth Adamshttps://plus.google.com/104383010702337082747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266638623269234342.post-29572532518578881792017-10-05T21:47:00.000-04:002017-10-05T21:50:18.672-04:00PORTUGAL: ART AND LITERATURE<style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Book Antiqua"; panose-1:2 4 6 2 5 3 5 3 3 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --></style> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">Art in Portugal generally followed the art trends of the rest of Europe. However, one of the key decorative arts is azulejos, or glazed tiles. It was especially popular during the 16<sup>th</sup> and 17<sup>th</sup>century when homes, buildings, churches, and palaces used to finish their walls and floors with this kind of tile. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.learnportugueseinlisbon.com/images/azulejo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.learnportugueseinlisbon.com/images/azulejo.jpg" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="650" height="196" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">Tombs dating to the 12<sup>th</sup> and 13<sup>th</sup>centuries were decorated with a number of sculptures. And after the Portuguese began to explore the newly formed colony of Brazil, it became a source of inspiration for Baroque-style sculptures in Portugal as well, especially during the 18<sup>th</sup> century. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">&nbsp;<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/33/56/d4/3356d418cd1f13c213ef047ea8700d82.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="605" height="320" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/33/56/d4/3356d418cd1f13c213ef047ea8700d82.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">by Machado de Castro</td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">The first art schools began teaching artists in Portugal during the 15<sup>th</sup> century. Portuguese artists really started to gain notoriety during the 17<sup>th</sup> -19<sup>th</sup> centuries as painters during the Classical and Romance periods took off. These were influenced by the art capitals of Italy and France. Flemish painters also introduced their painting styles to Portuguese artists as well, creating a deep legacy of religious artwork. Some artists of note during this time were Machado de Castro (also famous for his sculptures), Nuno Gonçalves, Grão Vasco, Jorge Afonso, and António Soares dos Reis. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">&nbsp;<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/16/Carlos_Botelho%2C_Lisbon_-_S_Crist%C3%B3v%C3%A3o%2C_1937%2C_oil_on_canvas%2C_62_x_78_cm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="550" height="260" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/16/Carlos_Botelho%2C_Lisbon_-_S_Crist%C3%B3v%C3%A3o%2C_1937%2C_oil_on_canvas%2C_62_x_78_cm.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">by Carlos Botelho</td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">A few prominent artists have graced the international stage when it comes to representing Portugal. Carlos Botelho (known for street scenes of Lisbon), Paula Rego (known for “storytelling” in art), and Maria Helena Vieira da Silva (known for her abstract paintings) have become well known in the 20<sup>th</sup> century.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0d/Os_Lus%C3%ADadas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0d/Os_Lus%C3%ADadas.jpg" width="206" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">The literature of Portugal is written in Portuguese, which developed from Galician-Portuguese. Literary works trace back to about the 1200s and was mostly poetry that ranged in a variety of topics from love poetry to historical accounts. Much of these were influenced by Italian poetry of the day. Literary styles from Italy and Spain continued to influence Portuguese verse and prose on through the 16<sup>th</sup>century.&nbsp; Drama was also introduced into the mix during the 16<sup>th</sup> century, but it was mostly relegated as a lower-class entertainment. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">&nbsp;<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://cdn.pensador.com/img/frase/ec/ad/eca_de_queiros_e_o_coracao_que_faz_o_carater_lk1z168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="600" height="168" src="https://cdn.pensador.com/img/frase/ec/ad/eca_de_queiros_e_o_coracao_que_faz_o_carater_lk1z168.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">("It's the heart that makes the character." --Eça de Queirós</td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">Like other literary movements in Europe, Portuguese also went through roughly the same ones. Portuguese literature during the Renaissance and the Baroque periods saw an increase in plays, lyric and epic poetry, and prose, although the Baroque period probably had more of a focus on prose. During the Neo-Classical period, historical, academic, and literary criticisms began to be published along with the usual canon of works. Brazilian literature also had its influence on Portuguese writing and was gaining popularity during this time as well. The 1800s brought Romanticism and a change of thinking. A sense of awe for nature, Eastern philosophy, and agnostic ideas began trickling into poetry and prose. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">&nbsp;<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/images/jos-saramago-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="800" height="266" src="https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/images/jos-saramago-6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">José Saramago</td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">Some famous names to watch for in Portuguese literature include José Saramago (Nobel Prize winner, 1998), Luís Vaz de Camões (author of epic poem “Os Lusíadas”—it was him who Elizabeth Barrett Browning was referring to in her “Sonnets from the Portuguese”), Alexandre O’Neill (poet, one of the founders of the Lisbon Surrealist Movement), Eça de Queirós (novelist, founder of Portuguese Naturalism), Antero de Quental (poet, sometimes thought to be the head of Modern Portuguese Poetry), and Fernando Pessoa (poet, famous for his poem “Mensagem”). </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;;">Up next: music and dance</span></span></div>Beth Adamshttps://plus.google.com/104383010702337082747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8266638623269234342.post-67077288338668469672017-10-01T21:06:00.000-04:002017-10-01T21:06:06.578-04:00PORTUGAL: THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE <style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Book Antiqua"; panose-1:2 4 6 2 5 3 5 3 3 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --></style> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">For the past few years, I have been really interested in moving to Portugal. First of all, I have a basic grasp of the language, so it wouldn’t be as hard to get around. Second of all, there are a myriad of other reasons like universal health care, a world-famous wine region, affordable college tuition, and decriminalized drugs. And you can receive social security retirement payments (including direct deposit) while retiring to Portugal. Just putting that out there for those interested. But I also read that it’s hard to get sponsored to work there. Since I’m not a millionaire yet, this is important for me. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://portugal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/albandeira_beach_algarve-2048x920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="359" data-original-width="800" height="143" src="https://portugal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/albandeira_beach_algarve-2048x920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">&nbsp;</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">The name Portugal is named after the Latin name for the city of Portus Cale (modern day Porto), which became Portucale, and eventually Portugal. You might have seen the terms Lusosphere or Lusophone, which refer to the areas that are culturally tied to Portugal or the Portuguese language. The <i>Luso</i>- part of this is from the name Lusitania, an ancient (and possibly Celtic in origin) region of Portugal.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.justmaps.org/maps/images/portugal/portugal-map01.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.justmaps.org/maps/images/portugal/portugal-map01.gif" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="700" height="287" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Portugal shares the Iberian Peninsula in the southwest corner of Europe with Spain. Its western coast borders the Atlantic Ocean. Two island groups are also part of Portugal as well: the Azores (located in the Atlantic Ocean about 900 mi from mainland Portugal) and the Madeiras (off the coast of Morocco and north of Spain’s Canary Islands). The Tagus River cuts across the country horizontally, getting its start just east of Toledo, Spain and dumping out into the Atlantic Ocean near Lisbon. Portugal has a Mediterranean climate, although that can vary from south to north. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.stephenhicks.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/trade-routes1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.stephenhicks.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/trade-routes1.jpg" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="736" height="231" width="320" /></a></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">The earliest people in Portugal were the Celts, and then other people from elsewhere in Europe began to pour into the Iberian Peninsula. The Romans tried to control the area, but the Lusitanians fought them tooth and nail against it; however, they eventually became a province of the Roman Empire. Germanic tribes began to be moving into the area during the 5<sup>th</sup>century. In the year 711, the Umayyad Dynasty moved into the Iberian Peninsula and turned it into an Islamic state for the next 400 years. Portugal gained its independence in 1128. Like much of Europe, Portugal was also hit hard from the Bubonic Plague of 1348-49. From the time of the late 1300s until the early 1600s, Portugal was one of the key players in global exploration. Portuguese sailors ventured into Africa (Cape Verde, São Tomé and Principe, Guinea-Bissau, Angola, Mozambique), North America (Canada), South America (Brazil), and Asia (Oman, Japan, Timor and Indonesia, Australia, Goa in India, Macau in China, Taiwan), and others. Things got pretty crazy for the ruling class in Portugal, that they actually up and moved to Brazil and carried on their business from there. Although they had their own political instability during the 1920s and 1930s, they were one of the few countries that remained neutral during WWII. Starting in the 1970s, Portugal gave up most of its colonies, giving them their independence; East Timor finally gained its independence in 2002. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/1d/ea/1b/1dea1ba56909c24af87fe92312acc770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/1d/ea/1b/1dea1ba56909c24af87fe92312acc770.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">The capital city is Lisbon, famous for having survived a massive earthquake in 1755 (estimated at 8.5–9.0). It was even mentioned in Voltaire’s <i>Candide</i>. With between 2.7–2.8 million people, this alpha-level city is the largest city in Portugal and Europe’s westernmost capital city. It’s also one of the oldest cities in Europe. Lisbon is the center for government, commerce, and finance. It also has plenty to offer in the way of sports, cultural venues, higher education, transportation, shopping, world-class restaurants, and historical site that locals and tourists benefit from. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cached.imagescaler.hbpl.co.uk/resize/scaleWidth/614/offlinehbpl.hbpl.co.uk/news/ORP/corks-2016072010360993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cached.imagescaler.hbpl.co.uk/resize/scaleWidth/614/offlinehbpl.hbpl.co.uk/news/ORP/corks-2016072010360993.jpg" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="614" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Portugal is part of the Eurozone and uses the euro as its currency. Their economy is highly developed, and they are a high-income country. However, if I moved there as an American, I can expect to earn about 57% less money. Their strong industries include footwear, textiles, and cork (they’re the leading producer of cork), and since the 1990s, Portugal has made a move to develop more high-tech jobs. They also have a significant number of agricultural products they farm as well as a strong fishing sector. Portugal is also a prominent tourist spot, often named as one of the best tourist spots in Europe.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://myhomeinportugal.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/CanterburyCathedral.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://myhomeinportugal.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/CanterburyCathedral.jpeg" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="600" height="245" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">The majority of Portuguese (about 80%) claim Roman Catholicism, even though far fewer (about 18%) actually attend Mass on a regular basis. There are a number of other Christian denominations and Eastern religions represented in Portugal as well. What’s surprising is that over 14% list themselves as non-religious or unaffiliated.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GD4IO-Ef5oI/Ug5JIebFwhI/AAAAAAAABIw/v3dDyG5YITs/s1600/O+povo+e%CC%81+quem+mais+ordenan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GD4IO-Ef5oI/Ug5JIebFwhI/AAAAAAAABIw/v3dDyG5YITs/s1600/O+povo+e%CC%81+quem+mais+ordenan.jpg" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Not surprising, Portuguese is the official language of Portugal. Portuguese is one of the Romance languages and has its roots in the Galician language, which still has many similarities (Galicia is the Spanish region just north of Portugal). The Mirandese language is a spoken in a small group of communities in northeastern Portugal. Counting first- and second-language learners, there are only 15,000 speakers, and it’s actually listed as a co-official regional language, but really it’s only used in this area. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.visitportoandnorth.travel/var/porto_norte/storage/images/blog/viewpoints-in-the-douro-valley/977747-1-eng-US/Viewpoints-in-the-Douro-Valley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.visitportoandnorth.travel/var/porto_norte/storage/images/blog/viewpoints-in-the-douro-valley/977747-1-eng-US/Viewpoints-in-the-Douro-Valley.jpg" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="650" height="206" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">I have long wanted to visit Portugal’s Douro Valley, which is famous for its wine production, especially for its port wine. Port wine is made by adding in brandy just before the fermentation process ends and aged for 2-6 years, resulting in a very sweet and more alcoholic (20%) wine. I’m a huge fan of wine, but I’m not sure if I’ve ever had port wine. However, I’m going to go to a larger liquor store this week to see if I can find some port. Because I have a feeling I might need it this week. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;">Up next: art and literature</span></span></div>Beth Adamshttps://plus.google.com/104383010702337082747noreply@blogger.com0